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.
I wish there was a better way to phrase it than “industry perception” etc … so here we go: agents who have negotiated this winter have asked me why they are acting like a small market team https://t.co/5C4sWPble5
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 29, 2023
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.
Agents have been saying this for a lot longer than just this winter. https://t.co/aOw28Y1BDP
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) December 29, 2023
I get that’s reportable, but it’s just as easily something to take with a grain of salt. I mean, if I was an agent your damn right I’d want the media to keep playing up the “Red Sox are cheap” thing to keep the pressure on them and maybe squeeze out some more money for my guy.
— Dan O’Mara (@Dan_OMara) December 29, 2023
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
As a lifelong Red Sox fan I won’t be spending any money on the Red Sox until they stop being cheapskates. Either run the team or sell the team.
— Micah S. Burner (@my_sweet_burner) 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
Agents would love for the Red Sox to begin throwing money around. Agents are disingenuous. I don’t consider them sources. They use the media to spread propaganda.
— Cheri (@bosoxlady) December 29, 2023
