The Red Sox seemingly were contenders to land Tanner Scott, who agreed to join the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend. But just how serious was Boston about signing the top reliever available in free agency?
USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale would have you believe the Red Sox were at the front of the line.
"The Red Sox, doing their best Blue Jays impression, offered Scott more years at a higher (average annual value)," Nightengale wrote on Bluesky. "Scott ultimately preferred the Dodgers."
MassLive's Chris Cotillo has a very different take.
"The Red Sox did stay in touch with Scott throughout the winter, sources said, but the suggestion that Boston offered more than the Dodgers in terms of both years and AAV was described as 'very inaccurate' by someone with knowledge of the process Sunday afternoon," Cotillo wrote Sunday. "The Red Sox were thought to be wary of going to four years for Scott, who will be 34 at the end of the season."
So, did the Red Sox make a compelling offer but get rejected by a player who preferred to play for MLB's best team, or did they feign serious interest before once again opting against paying top dollar for a star free agent? The truth could go a long way toward shaping the narrative surrounding Boston's offseason.
With all that said, all indications are Boston still is focused on adding an impact bat before spring training.
More MLB: Red Sox Rumors: Here's 'Top Priority' After Missing Out On Tanner Scott
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