Boston Red Sox fans have spent the last five MLB offseasons begging for signings or trades from the front office — one of the wealthiest in MLB — without much change in the semi-recently-established budget plan.
But a recent report suggests Red Sox fans may be in for a surprise this offseason. Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reported that many agents, including Scott Boras, have said the messaging in Boston's front office has changed. They seem committed to adding top-tier talent off the free agent market.
This report is a stark change from the front office's philosophy in at least the last two offseasons. There has been a focus on cutting payroll and staying under the luxury tax threshold. Boston's biggest free agent signing from the 2023-24 season was Lucas Giolito and he made $18 million as one of Boston's most expensive players.
Boras is Tyler O'Neill's agent, and Abraham also reported that the two parties met on Nov. 5. The Sox and O'Neill expressed mutual interest in an extension shortly after the season ended, and many considered the outfielder to be Boston's prime qualifying offer candidate after his 31 -omer performance in 2024.
Red Sox expected to be active in free agent market, have had discussions with Scott Boras about Tyler O'Neill
Several agents, Boras among them, have mentioned that the message from the Sox has been that ownership is committed to adding high-end talent and the team plans to be active in the free agent market.
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) November 6, 2024
We'll see where it goes. But that what the Sox are saying.
In his year with the Red Sox, O'Neill posted his best season since he earned MVP consideration in 2021. He slashed .241/.336/.511 with a .847 OPS over 113 games, the second-most he's ever played in a single season.
O'Neill's tendency toward injury may be why Boston didn't extend him a qualifying offer. If the Sox made him a qualifying offer and he accepted, he would've been paid $21.05 million next season, which is a steep paycheck for a player who averages 90 games per year in his seven MLB seasons, excluding the shortened 2020 campaign.
Last season's Red Sox team lacked right-handed pop, and O'Neill supplied it in spades with his 31 homers. His swing is perfect for Fenway Park, but only at the right price. Boston's free agency budget has been tight since 2019, and a player with as many injury concerns as O'Neill should not take precedence over signing an ace or bullpen reinforcements.