Outside of a hot streak in June and July, the Boston Red Sox have spent the majority of their season as a .500 baseball team.
While a third straight middling season is disappointing for Red Sox die-hards, it's even further proof that they're just a few high-quality offseason additions from postseason contention next year. A recent update from Boston's front office may not bode well for any expensive additions fans that fans have hoped for.
It has been reported by Alex Speier of The Boston Globe that Red Sox office employees and scouts have been asked to take pay cuts to remain with the organization next season. The report was first made by former Red Sox assistant general manager Zack Scott and later confirmed by "major league sources."
The news follows a trend around MLB — front offices are moving away from a reliance on pro scouts in favor of video. Speier also reported that the Red Sox declined to renew the contract of five of their 15 pro scouts.
Recent report confirms the Red Sox front office has asked scouts and office employees to take a pay cut to remain with the organization
The Red Sox organization was vocal last offseason about a desire to shed payroll. The surplus of trade rumors involving $16 million closer Kenley Jansen and no big-ticket free-agent signings last winter proved they were serious.
Now, the penny-pinching has moved into the office. Fenway Sports Group has plenty of money to maintain its scouts to stay future-minded and run a competitive Red Sox team at the same time — and as the owners of the third most valuable baseball team in MLB, that's what FSG should be doing.
Red Sox fans were told the team would spend on top-tier free agents when the organization's top prospects reach the big leagues. Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, Kyle Teel and Kristian Campbell have reached, and in some cases, dominated, Triple-A. A major league debut is in sight for all three of the young players. Meanwhile, Boston's ownership is still trying to slash payroll in one way or another.
Even small pay cuts for scouts and other office employees don't bode well for Boston's offseason plans as a money-conscious mindset rips through the organization. FSG has claimed it can field competitive teams without paying expensive free agents, but it hasn't proven that yet.