Red Sox Sep 20, 2019; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; A detail view of Boston Red Sox hats and gloves at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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.


[Chris Cotillo, Mass Live]

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.