Red Sox/MLB Atlanta’s Chris Sale wins the National League Cy Young Award

[BradPark22]

Soto might take a crazy long defered contract like Showtime.

If you need to go to 16 or 17 years to get him to sign and keep the contract down do it. Rest of the lineup after him and Devers are cost controlled and pitchers don't require long contracts anymore.

He can DH in his 40s its not like he'll stop being able to take walks.

Its not happening with this ownership even if they make a decent bid they'll do it knowing someone is offering higher.


A Rod also agreed to give back a huge chunk of his salary to come to Boston.

If FSG had paid the guy you'd have had an Ortiz-Manny-Arod middle of the lineup.

What does the crazy long deferred contract net Boras as the agent?

 

[GatorMike]

 

[CDJ]

I’ve fully convinced myself we are getting Soto

 

[GatorMike]

I’ve fully convinced myself we are getting Soto

Setting yourself up for disappointment.

 

[Mr Cartmenez]

I’ve fully convinced myself we are getting Soto

So you convinced yourself that a team, who recently was outside the top 10 in terms of payroll with number in the 180-90m dollar range, is going to get a player who'd cost (close to) 1/3 of that which would be one of the richest contracts in history? Coming from an owner who was basically not present in the premium-market for 6+ years?

Even if the Sox were somehow on record saying they'd want to add payroll and get it to well over 200m, they'd still be miles behind the New York teams. Nobody else but 1 team is getting Soto. This is Judge-redux. Cashman's saying: "Juan, get yourself a nice contract from Cohen or somewhere else, come back to us and we're gonna match it. You will want to stay with us anyway. Why? Because we are the most storied and iconic franchise in us-sports history who haven't been below .500 in like centuries and give you a chance to compete year in, year out. Look in comparison what the laughable Mets and even Red Sox have done over the last 6 years. They weren't even willing to extend their homegrown and beloved MVP-player Betts. What would you possibly want there?"

The truth is: You'd really need to be a diehard Red Sox-fan to make yourself think they are a better destination than at least a half dozen other teams. The last 6 years have done so much damage to this franchise, it's not even funny. They were on top after 2018, had the inside track and could have build something big on that, but willingly punted.

 

[sarge88]

So you convinced yourself that a team, who recently was outside the top 10 in terms of payroll with number in the 180-90m dollar range, is going to get a player who'd cost (close to) 1/3 of that which would be one of the richest contracts in history? Coming from an owner who was basically not present in the premium-market for 6+ years?

Even if the Sox were somehow on record saying they'd want to add payroll and get it to well over 200m, they'd still be miles behind the New York teams. Nobody else but 1 team is getting Soto. This is Judge-redux. Cashman's saying: "Juan, get yourself a nice contract from Cohen or somewhere else, come back to us and we're gonna match it. You will want to stay with us anyway. Why? Because we are the most storied and iconic franchise in us-sports history who haven't been below .500 in like centuries and give you a chance to compete year in, year out. Look in comparison what the laughable Mets and even Red Sox have done over the last 6 years. They weren't even willing to extend their homegrown and beloved MVP-player Betts. What would you possibly want there?"

The truth is: You'd really need to be a diehard Red Sox-fan to make yourself think they are a better destination than at least a half dozen other teams. The last 6 years have done so much damage to this franchise, it's not even funny. They were on top after 2018, had the inside track and could have build something big on that, but willingly punted.

Everything you said is accurate and logical.

But, there are a small number of players who seem to want to be top dog so to speak. Maybe Soto is the guy who wants to be the lynchpin that takes a team to a higher level, rather than another cog in an already established machine?

Even saying this, I agree that we're talking a 5-15% chance that he ends up here, at best.

 

[CDJ]

So you convinced yourself that a team, who recently was outside the top 10 in terms of payroll with number in the 180-90m dollar range, is going to get a player who'd cost (close to) 1/3 of that which would be one of the richest contracts in history? Coming from an owner who was basically not present in the premium-market for 6+ years?

Even if the Sox were somehow on record saying they'd want to add payroll and get it to well over 200m, they'd still be miles behind the New York teams. Nobody else but 1 team is getting Soto. This is Judge-redux. Cashman's saying: "Juan, get yourself a nice contract from Cohen or somewhere else, come back to us and we're gonna match it. You will want to stay with us anyway. Why? Because we are the most storied and iconic franchise in us-sports history who haven't been below .500 in like centuries and give you a chance to compete year in, year out. Look in comparison what the laughable Mets and even Red Sox have done over the last 6 years. They weren't even willing to extend their homegrown and beloved MVP-player Betts. What would you possibly want there?"

The truth is: You'd really need to be a diehard Red Sox-fan to make yourself think they are a better destination than at least a half dozen other teams. The last 6 years have done so much damage to this franchise, it's not even funny. They were on top after 2018, had the inside track and could have build something big on that, but willingly punted.

yes

 

[GatorMike]

So you convinced yourself that a team, who recently was outside the top 10 in terms of payroll with number in the 180-90m dollar range, is going to get a player who'd cost (close to) 1/3 of that which would be one of the richest contracts in history? Coming from an owner who was basically not present in the premium-market for 6+ years?

Even if the Sox were somehow on record saying they'd want to add payroll and get it to well over 200m, they'd still be miles behind the New York teams. Nobody else but 1 team is getting Soto. This is Judge-redux. Cashman's saying: "Juan, get yourself a nice contract from Cohen or somewhere else, come back to us and we're gonna match it. You will want to stay with us anyway. Why? Because we are the most storied and iconic franchise in us-sports history who haven't been below .500 in like centuries and give you a chance to compete year in, year out. Look in comparison what the laughable Mets and even Red Sox have done over the last 6 years. They weren't even willing to extend their homegrown and beloved MVP-player Betts. What would you possibly want there?"

The truth is: You'd really need to be a diehard Red Sox-fan to make yourself think they are a better destination than at least a half dozen other teams. The last 6 years have done so much damage to this franchise, it's not even funny. They were on top after 2018, had the inside track and could have build something big on that, but willingly punted.

For what it's worth, this is my rough pitch to any marquee free agent - not just Soto...

"After 2019, we knew we were in trouble as a franchise. We had a team that was older, it was expensive, and we had basically emptied out our farm system in order to build the 2018 team. We could have signed Mookie, but we knew that if we did, we would have wasted four or five years of his prime on a team that wasn't going to be in a position to compete for a World Series. So, we opted for a hard reset of sorts.

"We've made some mistakes and it's taken longer than we'd hoped, but we're now in a position where we've stockpiled a large amount of young talent. We have players who are just starting to enter their prime, and a farm system filled with high-ceiling talent. We now have both the financial resources and the organizational infrastructure to build a sustainable winner. Our window of opportunity is just starting to open again, and we see you as someone who can be a cornerstone of our next World Series Champion."

But, there are a small number of players who seem to want to be top dog so to speak. Maybe Soto is the guy who wants to be the lynchpin that takes a team to a higher level, rather than another cog in an already established machine?

Even saying this, I agree that we're talking a 5-15% chance that he ends up here, at best.

FWIW, Jared Carrabis talked about this on the most recent Section 10 Podcast. He says he texted an insider who hinted that Soto may not be too enthusiastic about playing 2nd fiddle to Aaron Judge, and that the Red Sox give him a chance to be "The Man", which is allegedly important to Soto.

 

[yazmybaby]

I’ve fully convinced myself we are getting Soto

Soto is not the player we need.
We have Anthony knocking on the door to play next year / a gold glove winner in Abreu that is only going to get better.
We need pitching / pitching and more pitching.
Spend the money on two of Burnes/Buehler/Fried/Snell.
Get a RH power bat, a decent backup catcher for a year and call it day.

 

[Donnie Shulzhoffer]

Soto is not the player we need.
We have Anthony knocking on the door to play next year / a gold glove winner in Abreu that is only going to get better.
We need pitching / pitching and more pitching.
Spend the money on two of Burnes/Buehler/Fried/Snell.
Get a RH power bat, a decent backup catcher for a year and call it day.

Yes. The organization has left handed hitting coming out of their ears. Take that money and get pitching because they have none and developed it little to none.

 

[CDJ]

Soto is not the player we need.
We have Anthony knocking on the door to play next year / a gold glove winner in Abreu that is only going to get better.
We need pitching / pitching and more pitching.
Spend the money on two of Burnes/Buehler/Fried/Snell.
Get a RH power bat, a decent backup catcher for a year and call it day.

“prime Lebron is available but aw shucks we already have 2 forwards, oh well!”

I don’t actually think we are most likely to get him. It is interesting that they are among the franchises he’s taking seriously though

 

[Donnie Shulzhoffer]

I’ve fully convinced myself we are getting Soto

“prime Lebron is available but aw shucks we already have 2 forwards, oh well!”

I don’t actually think we are most likely to get him. It is interesting that they are among the franchises he’s taking seriously though

Which is it?

 

[KOZ37]

Yes. The organization has left handed hitting coming out of their ears. Take that money and get pitching because they have none and developed it little to none.

I think the Sox feel like now is the time to spend on a top tier player. They do not have a lot of future money tied up besides Devers. They have cheap talent on the horizon which will allow them to pay now as they won't have to pay these tops prospects for many years. A couple of them can be used to bolster the SP. Maybe they trade for Crochet and/or one of the talented Seattle starters who are currently inexpensive yet effective. They may see Soto as an ideal fit due to age and productivity, and it also allows you to move Abreu for pitching, as his value is at a high and he makes practically nothing, which is attractive to these budget teams. This is also a good year to address the bullpen in free agency. Hopefully they can find a RH bat to balance the lineup.....maybe Toscaer Hernandez if they pay some money to move Yoshida. None of this may come to pass, but it is the right time to make the move. You bring in Soto it will attract more talent....maybe even Roku Sasaki who will also be paid peanuts for now.

 

[Smitty93]

So you convinced yourself that a team, who recently was outside the top 10 in terms of payroll with number in the 180-90m dollar range, is going to get a player who'd cost (close to) 1/3 of that which would be one of the richest contracts in history? Coming from an owner who was basically not present in the premium-market for 6+ years?

Even if the Sox were somehow on record saying they'd want to add payroll and get it to well over 200m, they'd still be miles behind the New York teams. Nobody else but 1 team is getting Soto. This is Judge-redux. Cashman's saying: "Juan, get yourself a nice contract from Cohen or somewhere else, come back to us and we're gonna match it. You will want to stay with us anyway. Why? Because we are the most storied and iconic franchise in us-sports history who haven't been below .500 in like centuries and give you a chance to compete year in, year out. Look in comparison what the laughable Mets and even Red Sox have done over the last 6 years. They weren't even willing to extend their homegrown and beloved MVP-player Betts. What would you possibly want there?"

The truth is: You'd really need to be a diehard Red Sox-fan to make yourself think they are a better destination than at least a half dozen other teams. The last 6 years have done so much damage to this franchise, it's not even funny. They were on top after 2018, had the inside track and could have build something big on that, but willingly punted.

This is the interesting part to me. I look at the post-Brady Patriots who have fallen into such disrepair that it's likely cost them free agents who've chosen other teams when the money is even. Maybe players aren't worried about it because of the team's history, but FSG's actions over the past 5 years make it seem like they're not interested in investing to build a championship team, and that would be red flag to me as a free agent who had other options.

As for Soto, I think if he signs here, it'd be for a few reasons (most of which others have mentioned):
1. They offer the most money. An amount that makes even the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees shudder.
2. He's said that the Red Sox were his favorite team, with Dominicans like Ortiz, Pedro, and Manny, and he's interested in fulfilling a dream to play for his favorite team.
3. He doesn't like living in NYC (eliminating Yankees/Mets).
4. He doesn't want to play 2nd fiddle to Judge or Ohtani, and there's no issue with that here.

 

[sarge88]

Soto is not the player we need.
We have Anthony knocking on the door to play next year / a gold glove winner in Abreu that is only going to get better.
We need pitching / pitching and more pitching.
Spend the money on two of Burnes/Buehler/Fried/Snell.
Get a RH power bat, a decent backup catcher for a year and call it day.

Part of me thinks that if they land Soto, it will almost further their interest in solidifying and improving the rotation.

This is obviously all speculation --- but if they're going that far -- why not go all in?

 

[CDJ]

This just feels like the offseason we finally do something, im feeling optimistic

Maybe it’s just somebody like Fried but perhaps it’s even more

 

[Donnie Shulzhoffer]

I think the Sox feel like now is the time to spend on a top tier player. They do not have a lot of future money tied up besides Devers. They have cheap talent on the horizon which will allow them to pay now as they won't have to pay these tops prospects for many years. A couple of them can be used to bolster the SP. Maybe they trade for Crochet and/or one of the talented Seattle starters who are currently inexpensive yet effective. They may see Soto as an ideal fit due to age and productivity, and it also allows you to move Abreu for pitching, as his value is at a high and he makes practically nothing, which is attractive to these budget teams. This is also a good year to address the bullpen in free agency. Hopefully they can find a RH bat to balance the lineup.....maybe Toscaer Hernandez if they pay some money to move Yoshida. None of this may come to pass, but it is the right time to make the move. You bring in Soto it will attract more talent....maybe even Roku Sasaki who will also be paid peanuts for now.

All possible and I hope it does happen. Like others though we have heard all of this before the past few years and they do nothing. I don't trust them to do it and I won't believe it until I see it.

 

[Smitty93]

This just feels like the offseason we finally do something, im feeling optimistic

Maybe it’s just somebody like Fried but perhaps it’s even more

I think this is a make or break offseason for the future of FSG ownership. It's year 2 of the Breslow group. You've got a group of potential stars on the cusp of the major leagues and saw some breakout performances on the roster this year.

Many fans have given up on them, and there's just a few hopeful suckers left. But if they don't make significant investments in the team this offseason, when it's so obvious that they should, any remaining fan interest will be killed off. It will be clear that this is just the permanent operating model and spending to compete for championships is a thing of the past.

 

[Therick67]

I'm just glad the Red Sox are interested...

 

[BigGoalBrad]

Soto is so young that you have close to 10 years to trade him if need be. Him Devers and cost controlled kids make the lineup set for the foreseeable future. Pitchers are being forced to take 1-3 year deals these days you can go year to year with the rotation and bullpen. Fsg shouldn't take heat if they add Soto and then have years they go bargain bin shopping for pitchers to avoid the tax.

 

[KOZ37]

All possible and I hope it does happen. Like others though we have heard all of this before the past few years and they do nothing. I don't trust them to do it and I won't believe it until I see it.

Oh I don't trust them either, but if they are ever going to go for it now is the perfect time. They have prospects ready to go or at least close and other guys not making a lot as major contributors. No excuses for them if they don't at least try and make it happen this year.

 

[EverettMike]

 

[DangleCity]

I’ve fully convinced myself we are getting Soto

I'll eat my hat if the Sox sign Soto.

 

[Morris Wanchuk]

I am all in for dealing Abreau + for Crochett.

Sign Toescar Hernandez for certainty

Sign Snell or Burns or Fried.

 

[McGarnagle]

I am all in for dealing Abreau + for Crochett.

Sign Toescar Hernandez for certainty

Sign Snell or Burns or Fried.

That's what I'm thinking

Sign Soto, make Abreu the centerpiece of the deal for Crochet, sign one of the big three FA starters or Roki, and we're in business