As long as the Boston Red Sox have been publicly "in" on Juan Soto, fans have questioned their level of investment. Some have even wondered if the rumors are true.
Boston used to be a perennial contender for the most talented free agents on the market, but things have changed since the team won its most recent World Series in 2018. Payroll has decreased, generational stars have walked or been traded away, and ownership's interest in the club seems to have waned. Despite all that, the front office's promises persisted, and Red Sox fans have been disappointed each year.
The Red Sox's "interest" in Soto could be just that, as it has been for so many free agents before him, like Jordan Montgomery and Teoscar Hernández. But recent comments from CEO and president Sam Kennedy suggest things may finally be different this year.
“Even if it takes us over the CBT,” Kennedy said to Michael Silverman of The Boston Globe. “Our priority is 90 to 95 wins, and winning the American League East, and winning the division for multiple years.”
Sam Kennedy opens up about Red Sox’ plans to spend this offseason, including for a big-ticket free agent like Juan Soto https://t.co/YV3OpFt6mq
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) November 21, 2024
That's a far cry from "full throttle." Kennedy and the Red Sox's rumored plan is clear, accountable and achievable if the team plays its cards right.
The 81-81 Red Sox are a few additions away from a winning squad, and Kennedy mentioned that the team plans to hit all its deficiencies this offseason, from "front of the rotation guys" to bullpen arms. He wouldn't even say Soto's name, but suggested that a mega-deal similar to Rafael Devers' would not be off the table.
Sam Kennedy affirms Red Sox's willingness to spend on top-tier free agents this offseason. Now, they have to actually act.
"Is that possible? If that’s what it takes, yeah, absolutely,” Kennedy said. “We are investing more than we did last year. We intend to invest going forward.
“There is an extreme urgency internally to be competing for the American League East Championship and to set ourselves up for a deep postseason run in 2025 without question."
These comments are the clearest messaging the front office has given of its intent in years, and it's refreshing to hear its plan so clearly. But the words mean nothing without appropriate action; surely management knows that by now.
The Red Sox's TV ratings have taken a hit and Fenway Park was riddled with empty seats and away fans last season. Boston's lack of star power has consequences besides missing the playoffs in five of the last six seasons. It could also make it even more difficult to lure top-tier free agents to play there when superteams like the Dodgers are an option.
Be that as it may, Kennedy's comments are a signal that the Red Sox will try. Boston fans and MLB reporters and insiders have begged for action from the league's third-most valuable team. The Red Sox can no longer get away with acting like a small market club, and signing Soto could be the single greatest way to burst back into relevance.