Are the Boston Red Sox on a tight budget this offseason?
That’s the inference from a report Friday by a Boston beat reporter. Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reported that “Agents who have negotiated this winter have asked me why they are acting like a small market team …”
Cotillo’s claim comes amid reports the Red Sox are trying to close a deal with slugging outfielder Teoscar Hernández. According to one report, that negotiation is stuck on Hernández wanting a fourth year.
The Red Sox also are reportedly targeting starting pitchers this offseason, so signing Hernández would presumably be just a start.
The Red Sox had a luxury tax payroll of $222 million in 2023, 12th among MLB teams, so there’s money to spend — if the will is there. Some Red Sox fans are worried about the team’s desire to spend money.
It’s insane this is the same ownership group that outbid everyone by a landslide for David Price but potentially won’t even go for the top starters on this years FA market. (Which they definitely should be doing!!!!)
— GMagz (@b0nerjams_03) December 29, 2023
They operate like a small market team because there’s no reasonable risk that can make the valuation of the team increase exponentially. Once the Marlins maxed out potential revenue, @John_W_Henry stripped them and sold them. He’s just using the slow play to make it less obvious.
— JP Berksza (@JPBerksza) December 29, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.