The Boston Red Sox seem hesitant to commit to long-term contracts for top free agents this offseason, including pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, there are indications that the Red Sox are not actively pursuing extended deals for these potential aces. Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic also noted that Boston appears unlikely to invest significantly in Montgomery, particularly considering the financial constraints faced by the Texas Rangers, who may struggle to re-sign him after their World Series run last fall.
Jordan Montgomery, who recently moved to Boston due to his wife’s residency in dermatology, presents an intriguing opportunity for teams, as highlighted by Rosenthal. However, he expressed bewilderment at the Red Sox’s apparent reluctance to seize this opportunity.
During last week’s “Winter Weekend” celebration, Red Sox team president Sam Kennedy hinted that the team’s payroll for 2024 might be lower than the previous year, suggesting an unwillingness to commit to substantial contracts for players like Montgomery or Snell, who could command around $25 million annually over the next few seasons.
In contrast to this approach, the Red Sox have made a notable signing this offseason with starting pitcher Lucas Giolito, inking a two-year, $38.5 million deal that includes an opt-out after the upcoming season. The departure of Chris Sale, traded to the Atlanta Braves in December, opened up a rotation spot for Giolito.
Currently, the Red Sox boast six starting pitcher options, including Giolito, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, Nick Pivetta, and Garrett Whitlock. However, most of these players have excelled more as long relievers than as starters in recent years.
The addition of Montgomery or Snell, the latter having won the NL Cy Young with the San Diego Padres in 2023, could significantly alter Boston’s rotation dynamics. Despite having around $61 million in projected space below the competitive balance tax, as per Spotrac, the Red Sox seem focused on maintaining a cost-effective payroll for the 2024 season.
Both Montgomery and Snell, at 31 years old, bring valuable experience to the table, with Montgomery boasting sub-4.00 ERAs in each of the last three seasons and Snell earning All-Star and Cy Young accolades during his time with the Tampa Bay Rays before joining the San Diego Padres for the past three seasons.
