Despite recent reports to the contrary, a Boston Red Sox insider claims the organization’s owner is unlikely to deal out the massive contract that will be required to sign Shohei Ohtani in MLB free agency.
The Boston Red Sox head into the offseason understanding some notable changes to the roster will be necessary in 2024. After reaching the American League Championship in 2021 they have followed that strong season with back-to-back losing years and 78-84 records.
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That obviously is below the high standard the team has created by winning four World Series titles in the last 19 years. Furthermore, the AL East is only getting stronger with the division champion Baltimore Orioles now built to be formidable for many years to come.
One way to make a dent in the AL East competition is to land an impact player or two in free agency this winter. There is no bigger athlete of that caliber in this year’s pool than Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani.
Last week, it was reported that the Red Sox were becoming a “real threat” in the upcoming Ohtani chase. However, there is now a counter-narrative coming from one team insider.
Boston Red Sox owner unlikely to spend the money necessary to sign Shohei Ohtani
On Sunday, Mass Live Boston Red Sox reporter Sean McAdam gave an update on what he is hearing about a potential pursuit of the three-time All-Star, and it isn’t looking like something the organization will be undertaking.
“According to a source, at a preliminary planning meeting for the Red Sox offseason, held last month, Ohtani was not at all a focus. Meanwhile, another source noted that principal owner John Henry remains philosophically skittish over the prospect of the kind of lengthy mega-deals that it would take to land Ohtani.”
– Sean McAdam
Despite a UCL tear and being unable to pitch in 2023, there are many who still expect Shohei Ohtani to land a record-breaking contract that could be nearly half a billion dollars. It is a huge investment and there will be a lot of competition for his services, so it not being a primary part of early offseason conversations says a lot.