While the Red Sox’s interest in Juan Soto has made headlines due to his immense talent and the slim chance that he could envision a future in Boston, no MLB analyst is predicting that Boston will actually land him.
However, Soto’s reported interest in player development offers a glimmer of hope for the Red Sox, as they have promising prospects who could be his teammates several years down the line, especially as stars like Aaron Judge of the Yankees and Francisco Lindor of the Mets approach their late 30s.
If Soto is considering his long-term future, Boston could be an appealing option. Yet, the Red Sox are not positioned to contend for a World Series in the near term, which could be a significant obstacle, coupled with their inability to compete financially with wealthier teams like the Mets, led by owner Steve Cohen.
What the Red Sox urgently need is an ace starting pitcher. After years of hesitating to offer long-term deals to top-tier starters, it seems Boston is ready to change their approach this offseason. ESPN’s Jeff Passan has identified what he calls “the perfect fit” for the Red Sox: former Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.
Blake Snell: A Top Target for Boston
Blake Snell is no stranger to Red Sox trade rumors, and it’s likely that Boston will pursue one of the top three pitchers available: Snell, Corbin Burnes, or Max Fried. In 2023, Snell posted a 14-9 record with a league-leading 2.25 ERA while winning the Cy Young with the Padres. After struggling to secure a long-term contract last year, he signed a three-year deal with an opt-out clause.
Now that he has opted out, Passan suggests that he should be a prime focus for the Red Sox. He stated: “What Boston really needs most is pitching. While their position-player prospects hold promise, the Red Sox have not developed adequate starting pitching to match. That’s where significant investment is necessary. Even with Lucas Giolito expected to return from elbow surgery, they need a top-tier starter to lead their rotation. There are many options available, and if they choose wisely, the Red Sox could turn things around faster than expected.”
Passan then highlighted his “ideal move”: “Sign free agent left-hander Blake Snell.”
Spending Big for Pitching
It’s important to note that while this is speculative, Snell is frequently mentioned in connection with Boston. Earlier this month, among the top free agents evaluated, two out of four MLB Trade Rumors experts predicted Snell would end up with the Red Sox.
According to the site, “Snell will attract plenty of attention from big-budget and/or teams with payroll flexibility. The Mets, Red Sox, Dodgers, Orioles, Tigers, Padres, and Cubs will all be seeking starting pitching this winter.”
Spotrac estimates Snell could command a five-year deal worth 131million,whileESPN′sKileyMcDanielsuggestsafour−year, 124 million contract is more likely.
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