The defending World Series champion Red Sox are at least opening the door to some surprising sell-side moves, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today (Twitter links). Though the club is obviously not going to divert from its attempt to repeat, it seems there’s a movement afoot to pare back some existing payroll.
The true end goal here isn’t clear. Boston already splurged to re-sign Nathan Eovaldi, giving him a four-year deal at a $17MM rate of pay, and it doesn’t seem as if the club is interested in doing anything that would substantially harm its competitive position. The division, after all, promises to be quite competitive — to say nothing of the top-heavy American League.
Still, the Sox are said to be “openly listening” to offers for veteran right-hander Rick Porcello, who’ll earn $21MM this year before reaching free agency. Yet more surprisingly, the club is said to be “willing to talk about” star shortstop Xander Bogaerts (projected $11.9MM arbitration salary in final season of eligibility) and quality center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. ($7.9MM, second-to-last season of eligibility).
Parting with any of these players would clearly harm the team’s 2019 roster — unless, that is, there was a plan in place to add a different piece to fill the opening. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic tweets that the idea would indeed be to repurpose any payroll savings, perhaps opening the door to some bullpen reinforcements.
While that’s sensible from one perspective, it still feels like an incomplete picture. After all, it’s not as if the Boston organization has high-quality fill-in pieces knocking down the door. In Porcello’s case, at least, there’s an argument that the Red Sox have sufficient depth after bringing back Eovaldi, but it obviously wouldn’t be as good as the sturdy 29-year-old. Bogaerts is not remotely replaceable from within; presumably, the club would go onto the market for a different option at short. As for Bradley, it’s easy to imagine Andrew Benintendi taking over in center, but that’d still leave an outfield opening that would need to be addressed in some regard (perhaps in part through reliance upon Steve Pearce and other existing reserves).
It’s fair to wonder just what the Sox could anticipate recouping in hypothetical trades. Porcello’s hefty salary limits his appeal, making him more of a candidate to be dealt for another spendy veteran or perhaps a limited prospect return. Bogaerts has plenty of rental value, though the Red Sox would be dealing with fellow contenders to find a fit and there’s limited demand at the shortstop position. Bradley is controllable fr two years and could fit in plenty of places, though his offensive numbers have been down and he’s not the type of piece that most teams would go wild to acquire — particularly with some similar players potentially also available via trade.
Generally speaking, boosting the farm would certainly be of interest, but it’d be quite tricky to do that and save money without significantly damaging the team’s immediate competitiveness. Sussing out how this potential strategy could make sense in the aggregate is frankly difficult to do without contemplating multiple successive transactions. It’s certainly a fascinating development for the Red Sox and the broader market, but it is tough to guess at this point how it might all play out.
baseballfan90
Wow
Bringbacktheblue
Wow
Adam6710
Wow
Cuso
Ow
ffjsisk
Wow
sufferforsnakes
Instead of everyone always saying wow, how about we change it to xabial?
gomerhodge71
Bow Wow
KingTiger
Awesome!!!
Ry.the.Stunner
Why does Owen Wilson have so many profiles?
WestCoastSoxFan
This makes sense for the Sox. Porcello will walk at the end of 2019 anyway. With Sale, Bogaerts, Porcello & (most likely)JDM free agents after next season, the Sox can’t risk losing all these guys for a 4th round comp pick. They figure to be able to sign only 1 of those guys anyway.
case7187
You are talking about one of the most expensive teams in the league they can easily sign 2-3 of those players for the money they make in merchandise sales and ticket sales they will be fine
I see them resigning JDM and Sale (no matter what it takes) the only reason they won’t sign all is because of Betts
WestCoastSoxFan
It’s not about what they can afford. We both know they have plenty of case. It’s about having to reset the luxury tax after 2019 however. If they don’t do it, they will get killed with penalties. They are going to have to make some tough choices to get around/below $206m after 2019.
case7187
I still don’t see it being a big deal for them with the price of their tickets alone probably could pay for that lol just saying
ffrhb14Sox
Im comfortable letting Sale and JD walk after next year. If he does you got 2 monster years out of JD and he gets bigger money elsewhere, 2 years older than when he came. Sale may have some health concerns and even if he doesnt he is $30M per and since Price stayed we already have that guy. Cant lock up another contract that size in the rotation. Enjoy 2019, let those guys and Porcello walk and spend money on our core. That gets us under luxury but keeps us competitive as a playoff team.
WestCoastSoxFan
That’s definitely the case, but they have to get below the luxury tax level in the next 2 seasons. Failure to do so penalizes them in the draft and with International signings. The Yankees and Dodgers just reset their tax last year and the Red Sox need to do the same. It’s just good business to do this and not face the stiff penalties year after year.
WestCoastSoxFan
Yessir. You get it. This is exactly what needs to be done. I know it’s crazy, but if they can flip Sale or Bogaerts during the season in 2019, they would get a lot more for them than a crappy 4th round pick as compensation. They need to balance 2019 with future goals. Dombrowski will really earn his money over the next 2-3 seasons.
weatherwiz
Trading Bogaerts would be flat out stupid. I would honestly trade Betts over Bogaerts. Finding a top-tier SS is not very easy. I know Betts is a MVP and a high caliber player, but OF’ers (and good/very good ones) are not hard to find.
thetech
Not chance they keep X over Mookie.
corey5kersh22
WHATTT LMAO
anthony c
Really lets trade top one or 2 players in the majors in betts. Keep bogearts thats been at best mediocre and has struggle mightily in the second halves of seasons
disadvantage
I’m with you on not trading Betts, but .288/.360/.522 with 3.8WAR overall .296/.371/.502 in the second half for Bog is at best mediocre and struggling mightily?
southbeachbully
Insanely stupid to trade Betts over Bohaerts. Betts is arguably, at least, the 2nd best player in the game.
I can see how the Sox want to improve w/o adding on the 2018 salary but I can’t see them trading any of those guys for salary relief to re-purpose it for a relief pitcher. The bullpen is one of the cheapest positions to improve. I get it. They want a proven closer to replace Kimbel but to sacrifice SP or SS?
soxscelticspats
Betts is going nowhere. JBJ should b moved period.
Mike Mangieri
You’d keep Bogaerts a bad defensive shortstop over Betts the very best defender is ridiculous
Not many shortstops? Didi. Lindor Correa Seager Segura Crawford Simmons Siemens Andrés Rosario tons of them Omly Mike Trout can replace mookie
howiet
Bogaerts is not a bad defender. Bogaerts isn’t mediocre at best. VERY difficult to find SS of his caliber and durability. No way you trade Betts but let’s not overlook what Bogaerts brings to the table.
downeysoft42
Bogaerts only had one fielding error last year in the regular season I believe. Sure his arm isn’t as as good as his glove, but by no means bad.
User 4245925809
It’s smart to check interest in Bogaerts if for 1 reason.. he’s going to at the least test FA waters next year with Boras as an agent, say he wanted to stay previously or not, just like varitek (who became a FA 2x and resigned) he’ll try to see what’s on the market and Boras will drive up the price.
Chatham probably could/can hold down the position by late next season as a defense 1st player and hopefully marco hernandez is fully healthy to o along with Lin and Holt this spring to cover should they find a deal.
Don’t want him traded by any means, but unless Bogaerts himself forces this issue with Boras, I don’t see him coming back with all 3 of Betts/Sale and martinez more important coming up after 2019-2020.
stubby66
I dont know you trade Bogaerts and resign Iglesias for less money and you dont lose much in the transition
mookiessnarl
On no planet does Iglesias’ defensive value offset Bogaerts’ offensive value. Bogaerts is twice as valuable as Iglesias.
jbigz12
You could give Betts a glove and tell him to play SS and he’d be more valuable than Xander.
weatherwiz
Betts is easily going to get $35-$40 million per year (or he will certainly top Machado and Harper). The Red Sox have to get under the luxury tax for at least one season otherwise they are going to get beyond screwed.
Betts, Bogaerts, and Sale are all soon-to-be free agents. Financially they just can’t sign them all. Although if JD walks and with Porcello’s contract coming up that certainly helps.
They can get an immense return for Betts which in the end will provide incredible value for the team as they can still provide a great mix of free agents and prospects in order to remain competitive and not keep getting destroyed by luxury tax penalties.
Bogaerts has come a tremendous way with his defensive abilities and he’s coming along at the plate too. He does struggle…especially against pitches off the plate, but he is still developing his power and will be a 30-HR guy soon enough, along with a .280-.300+ average and plenty of doubles.
While the sample size I guess is small Betts numbers on the big stage aren’t exactly eye opening and he often just beats up on bad pitching/teams. If it wasn’t for the Orioles his numbers wouldn’t be as high as they were (HR’s especially).
What they can get back for Betts can easily outweigh the results he produces if the cards are played properly.
dombrowski
Think I’m going to have to go with Betts in that hypothetical. Best player is baseball is harder to replace than a top 10 SS.
NOPelicanFangirl696969
Drugs are a bad thing kids.
Betts benintendi and sale all untouchable. Bogaerts is good but not a top ss in the league prob not even top 10
petrie000
You know what’s harder to find than a top-tier SS? An mvp making practically nothing for years to come…
ffrhb14Sox
Agree on the MVP but he’ll get a raise to $18M or so this year. That is cheap for an MVP but not nothing, then one more raise Im sure north of $20M and then he will get paid handsomely. He isnt that cheap and not for that long.
Willy Mays
Weatherwiz stick to weather. If you”re a Boston fan I as a Yankee fan would be very happy to take Betts off yout hands
InPolesWeTrust
You live in MA, with the new legal edibles? Send some my way.
thetech
I understand Bradley and Porcello. But Xander is strange. I know we have Mookie, Sale, & Benintendi coming up in free agency, but if he goes they better get a haul for him. Restocking the bare cupboard in the system.
94' World Champs!
Boras client, most likely will end up making $22-$23mil over 8 years. My guess they have been rebuffed when asking about an extension. I’d be surprised if they did trade him with out a back up plan. And please no Machado to Red Sox rumors!
Jeff Zanghi
I’m fine if it’s Porcello… he’s waaaayyy overpaid anyway but dumping Bogaerts for “salary relief” would be pathetic.
pinstripes17
Welcome to the Yankees world!
allweatherfan
If Bogaerts is out then Machado is in. If Bradley goes, Harper is in.
jdgoat
I don’t think they should be giving up first rounders given the state of their farm and since their roster will be turned over in the next 2-3 years.
Mike Mangieri
Machado replaces Bogey??? This is for salary relief lmao don’t quit your day job
howiet
Salary relief for ……? Maybe to afford someone else
lasershow45
As a die hard Sox fan…. no. Just no.
MafiaBass
Nobody that’s a part of the Red Sox wants anything to do with Machado
ffrhb14Sox
That would make the Sox hard to cheer for and much like what the Evil Empire was in its prime. We need no part of either guy. Go for it in 2019 basically as the team is constructed with only minor deals left. After 2019 invest money saved from Panda, JDM opt out, Porcello, Moreland, Bogaerts towards long term deals for the part of their core they can and want to keep out of JBJ, Bogey, Betts, Benintendi, Devers. With Price, Eovaldi, ERod they have a solid start to a rotation, a good offense, great defense and then add the right guys around them to easily stay competitive (not dominant) at a much lower payroll. Its not that big of a predicament unless they sell out the core of the team they developed.
codylg
“C’mon Cash, Gray and Ellsbury for Porcello and Bogaerts!” -Yankees Fans
codylg
“Porcello’s just another Sonny Gray.” -also Yankees Fans
mrnatewalter
“Chris Sale for Tyler Wade, Sonny Gray, Domingo German, and Jonathan Holder” -also Yankees fans.
WestCoastSoxFan
This is the best one.
Bald Vinny
And Refsnyder
pasha2k
Jealous NYY fans!!
He was traded thata way.
“Jose Martinez for the future HOF greg bird, tyler wade, chance adams, and some of the worlds greatest pizza”- yankee fans who havent chimed in yet.
yanks02026
Why sign Eovaldi then.. Porcello has been better in his career compared to Eovaldi.
Adam6710
And he hasn’t had two TJ surgeries.
jdgoat
Eovaldi isn’t the same pitcher as he once was. Pre surgery Eovaldi does not equal present day Eovaldi. And Porcello is way overpaid since he’s only had one real good season in his career. I don’t really see why the two would correlate.
yanks02026
Eovaldi was the same pitcher he was in the past when he pitched for the Rays last year. So because he had a good postseason, he’s now a totally different pitcher.
Bald Vinny
Not presurgery. Post Tampa pitching school.
batty
Not sure to what level of truth there is in the Bogaerts part, but it sure often feels that “insiders” merely make things up to keep their name in print and on the air.
anthony c
I can see this with chavis in the minors,and dalbec two of there top prospects. Rather trade them now than get nothing when they leave and sell high on bogearts.
southbeachbully
You say that as if those 2 prospects will absolutely replace the value of the players you’d be moving. I would think the Sox wish to defend their title in 2019.
WestCoastSoxFan
They will definitely seek to contend in 2019, but they have to be mindful of all their FA’s walking after the season AND getting below the luxury tax. If the choice is losing Bogaerts for a 4th round comp pick vs. trading Bogaerts for some young talent, you have to think about it. Same with Porcello. Same with Sale.
swanhenge
Holy wow. Did not see this coming.
Let’s not get too carried away DD. It’s ok that Boston isnt in the news this off season. I guess I’m ok w shopping Porcello, but let’s let X keep developing and see what it will take to sign him as a FA.
Dont start trading just to trade. Hopefully this is the same as putting your house on the market at twice its value and see who comes knocking.
pasha2k
I hear FRUSTRATED NYY fans all over this board.
NYIrishman@FL
Understand Porcello being shopped but 21mil is a hard sell, not sure if Boston would also include Bradley or Bogaerts in a team to get rid of payroll. It is surprising to hear Boston would think of already tearing apart their young core of players. Their farm system is not that stacked with talent to back fill.
pasha2k
DD….Please DO NOT trade Any of those players!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe Kerr
If they don’t and end up spending over $246M, they reach the highest tax penalty being 75% and also drop the 1st round pick by 10 slots.
badco44
Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the salary cap issue comeing in the 2020 season… don’t see an offer going to Porcello so yes there trying to get something before the fact…. not buying into the Betts / Zander bs.
WestCoastSoxFan
Trading Porcello makes a lot of sense. Plenty of teams would want him on a 1-year deal.
During the season, it might make sense to flip Xander and/or Sale. Getting a 4th round comp pick instead really stinks.
swanhenge
Man, that scenario gives me indigestion. Imagine the dumpster fire that wouldve had to occur that would force Bos to shop Sale midseason.
WestCoastSoxFan
You are 100% correct. But can you imagine what they can get for him at the deadline v. A 4th round pick if he walks? You always have to keep an eye on the future too.
ffrhb14Sox
If that was their motivation why sign Eovaldi for $4m less for next year? They could have kept enough cap room open to not cross $246m and be just as competitive as they would be now trading Porcello for what 1 year of him at $21m will get us. Makes no sense unless they think what Eovaldi showed in the second half of 18 is a guarantee and they feel he is a steal at that price for the next 4 years.
Willy Mays
Pasha whats the love affair with Porcello. Besides the Cy Young year he’s been a pretty mediocre pitcher.He got wins last year because your team was a scoring machine, Explain Porcellos great appeal at 21 mill/yr for the next two years
theredsoxrule
well then…Bradley cant hit so id trade him then sign Harper, OR… Xander is an average ss so id trade him and sign Machado OR…id trade Porcello for…Thor not sure on how salaries match up
Bloody38Sock
Nightengale is a hack. Sox revenue last year was around 500 million, it makes absolutely no sense to make the team worse this year when their best players are all still under control just to pinch some pennies.
pasha2k
That is most stupid thing I’ve ever heard from a frustrated NYY fan
bobfloyd1288
trade JBJ for Brandon belt. which team says no?
Munsonmanor4
Red Sox. Why would we want Belt when we have a Moreland/Pearce platoon at First Base, would make the outfield defense MUCH worse, and besides that, he hasn’t played in over 120 games since 2016. No thanks!
mrnatewalter
Belt would be a significant upgrade, both offensively and defensively for Boston.
Joe Kerr
Trying to replenish the minors with some short term assets, not an insane idea.
pasha2k
DD please do NOT trade any of those, esp Porcello!!!!!!
Willy Mays
Why are you so worried about Porcello.He had a 426 era lastyear which is right at his lifetime era. He’s eannig 42 mill over the next two years.If Sox get rid of him it will be a salary dump.21 mill for a below average era is not a valuable asset
xabial
Figure it’s to replenish the farm system w/ all these expirings
But who cares about your farm when you’re raising flags?
joblo
Xander Bogarts to the Pirates for Francisco Cervelli straight up. both are in the last year before free agency at the same salary.
jaash5
ok I am a Pirates fan and that trade is absolutly stupid. Cirvelli is good but not that good plus Xander can still get your a prospect hall if you need it. Plus Cirvelli never makes it through a full season and is not that much of an upgrade over Vasquez . You do not trade a top 5 SS for a marginal catcher
baseball365
This makes total sense and I said exactly this at the onset of the offseason, that the Red Sox are in an extremely precarious position at the moment. Funny, if you look back at my comments, as crazy as it is, I named these three players exactly they should shop.
Having just won the WS, they have a massive payroll, lots of bad money, a monumental exodus of all their top tier young talent to free agency, a wide open bullpen and Sale being a free agent himself after 2019 they are best retooling the roster. Why on December 11th, that becomes a reality is a little strange.
I was perplexed when the signed Eovaldi and more so today reading this. I mean guess I understand since pitching isn’t getting cheaper, and not much is in the pipeline for next year, but wouldn’t it have been wise to just sign a solid bullpen arm or two, try to repeat and call it an offseason? I deep down believe the Red Sox made an egregious mistake with Eovaldi and now have to back track. Money better used to keep Sale there?
Munsonmanor4
I agree that the Red Sox are in a precarious position balancing the now with the future. I don’t think the Eovaldi signing was bad though. He essentially is Porcello’s replacement. His ceiling and floor are higher than Porcello. The only thing Porcello is better at is his durability. What we don’t know is how discussions about extensions have gone with each player involved and how injured is Chris Sale’s shoulder. If we had those pieces of the puzzle, the picture would be much clearer as to what path the Red Sox need to take. There’s also Dustin Pedroia’s knee to think about. He’s signed for a few more seasons, but what is he going to be capable of going forward? Chavis, Dalbec, & Devers all play 3rd base, but could one be switched to 1st base after Moreland/Pearce are gone after next season? Panda’s fat contract will be off the books after this season too. They have a lot of balls to be juggled, but they will be fine. It could always be worse, like 1997 Marlins or 2018 Mariners fire sale worse!
Bowie Baseball
Both Bogaerts and JBJ are both Boras clients. Wonder how much that has to do with the rumors?
jaash5
Ok this does make sense. You cannot keep everyone while staying competitive.. Xander will get a ton of money being a SS. Yes you only have 1 more years before Panda and Hanley come off of the books. However freeing up Xander and Bradley, sliding over Mookie to CF does raise a serious inquiry. JD Martinez can ,opt out after this upcoming season. Are you going to commit 5 more years at probably a bigger salary for him? Plus Price opting in keeps that money on the books and you have to figure out a way to keep Sale.
I have a feeling this is leading to them getting into Harper, however Mookie is going to command 30 mil a year so I am not sure I see that happening. More like this is aimed to keep Sale/Betts
baseballpun
If Harper gets 30 mil a year, Mookie is going to command 40.
petfoodfella
Yeah, no. Harper will earn more than Betts will.
natesp4
Porcello is worth way more to Sox this year than what he would get back in a trade. Bradley’s value comes from his D which also won’t fetch much in a trade. Bogaerts is intriguing and as he gets older he may have to move off SS anyways, but I still think you push the chips in this year and deal with 2020 when it comes.
MetsYankeesRedSox
Jacob deGrom Red Sox
Put THAT in the vault!
swanhenge
I like the idea, but that would be an expensive get. BVW seems to be in over his head on the whole JTR thing, but idk if Bos has the goods to pry JDG away.
Would be sweet tho
Willy Mays
Who you giving up to get the best pitcher in baseball. Ridiculous
Wags71
There is no way that any of that is happening. They aren’t going to create huge holes in the roster just to sign relief pitchers. They aren’t stupid.
bush1
Like the writer said Porcello and his hefty salary aren’t bringing anything back unless the Sox eat a lot of his money and they seem to want to save money to spend elsewhere. So that’s not helping. Why not just stick with worked and made you one of most dominant Champions in recent memory? They should’ve spent the Eovaldi money on a closer. I know he was great and all but he’s been a humongous injury risk. That signing for major bucks was confusing.
54scooterb
Bogarts to the Cubs, for Addison Russell and Carl Edwards Jr. Plus choice between Aramis Ademan or Nico Hoerner both minor league shortstops.
petfoodfella
Why would Boston want AR?
thefenwayfaithful 2
Dansby Swanson would be a better youngster to take a shot on and the Braves have more to offer the Sox would desire then the Cubbies. I also don’t think it will be a deal for multiple SS. Likely will want a SP and relief arm.
arenado28
Wow
thefenwayfaithful 2
I actually suggested this awhile back on Bogy and Porcello. At some point you can’t let your heart get in the way of good business. If you can shed Porcello and his salary, that opens up a lot of options. I believe Rodriguez has turned a corner and am fine with Sale Price Eovaldi Rodriguez and then signing 2 more guys to compete/insurance when Eovaldi or Rodriguez inevitably goes down for a few weeks. The way to protect these guys is to solidify the bullpen.
Bogaerts is on his best years a 5 WAR player and much harder to replace. However, my assumption is that Bogaerts would be the most valuable commodity on the trade market and 3rd only to Machado and Harper. If the Yankees go all in, trading Bogy is one way to restock the farm and compete long term. It’s safe to assume Bogaerts brings back a trifecta of a teams top 25 prospects with at least one being a top 5.
Could it even make sense to take a risk on Dansby Swanson, sending Bogy to the NL and swiping one or 2 of Atlanta’s top guys? His defense is outstanding and would be an upgrade over even the very strong Bogaerts. He still has some pop and maybe with the right hitting coach and Cora’s magic, he can increase his 1.9 WAR from last year to 3 and bring in a few prospects in the process.
It’s not as shocking as it seems. They can actually make these moves without killing their 2019 aspirations while giving themselves some much needed future tools.
ffrhb14Sox
Surprisingly Bogaerts is the only one that makes sense because of his value and impending free agency driven by Boras. Wouldnt get a return on JBJ and Porcello that makes sense for what it takes away from a championship level team. Agree on ERod so lets see him fo it in 2019 with Sale, Price, Porcello, Eovaldi. In 2020 then he replaces Porcello or Sale further up the rotation.
thefenwayfaithful 2
Porcello is the salary they want gone which is the only reason I remove him. Its my belief that it comes down to Porcello or some elite relief help for the back of our pen to help take some innings off the other starters.
If this is not a concern there’s no reason to move Porcello. But if they can get some relief help in exchange AND free up 17+ million if not more of the 21 he owed so that they can sign 2 lower end starters and add another relief arm without skyrocketing the budget they will do it. Unfortunately I think it’s a one or the other situation. If they don’t shed that money they will have to roll the dice on a Robertson type and not much else. I think they’d like to add a Robertson / Ottavino type of tandem to the back end of the pen.
Porcello is just about making the money work. Nothing against him.
P.S. This whole thing shows a change in thought for DD from his earlier days. Old DD would stay all in. This one thinks ahead.
tigertom0210
Does this mean the Red Sox are in on Manny?
thefenwayfaithful 2
Not at all. Manny and the Sox have too much drama even if they were going to consider the financials.
Never say never, but as close to never as never can get without being never.
TooToughToScuffle
I hope not
randon2008
How bout we play Mookie at SS
thefenwayfaithful 2
While he was a 2B at one point and is capable, he’s also the guaranteed best right fielder in the game. I’m sure the Sox will stick with that assurance.
gomerhodge71
I get the suspicion the Sox feel there is no way they will be able to extend Bogaerts’ contract.
Bruin1012
I doubt they move any of those guys during the offseason. It makes more sense to keep everyone and make another run if injuries or poor play has the Sox out at the trade deadline then you start your soft rebuild early.
I’m thinking DD is just saying that the Sox will listen on players but would need to blown away to do something. I will be shocked if they move any of those guys.
jdgoat
Bradley makes sense to move. No point in keeping Betts and Benintendi in corners and it wouldn’t be hard at all to upgrade from Bradley’s bat.
ffrhb14Sox
JBJ is going to be an $8-9 million dollar gold glove CF with a streaky bat. Sure you may upgrade offensively but for what price and what drop off in outfield defense at 2 positions. Don’t get cute, stick with what we know works well.
bobtillman
Nightengale’s rather famous for being an echo chamber for GMs who want to front a story, so there may be some truth to all this…..
I can see most of it, tho I’d hang onto “X”; he’s going to have a HUGE year, playing for a fat contract. It wouldn’t take much for DD to move JBJ….great guy, great glove, but really (his playoff performance notwithstanding) he’s not very valuable. And switching Benetendi (it wouldn’t be Betts) to CF would hurt SOME, but would be far from fatal. AB wouldn’t mind; hit offense will pay off, monetarily, dramatically more as a CF than a LF.
Porcello? I’m not sure. If they do, they’ll spend July 31 looking for an effective innings-eating starter; in other words, Porcello.
Sox fans shouldn’t get into a quandary about 2020. Worry about 2019. Lottsa stuff can happen between today and December 11, 2019. Start peering too much into the future and you become the Rays (poor folks; no new stadium this year….or next year….or, well, you know).
jmi1950
Bob, why would a GM want to front this story if it were true? It would only make other GM’s drive up the price by calling and asking the price.
bobtillman
Easy. Two reasons. (1) The Sox are VERY image conscious. You’re talking about trading a very popular player (maybe two, maybe three) from a team that just won the World Series. The Sox don’t like disenchanted customers. And you’ve already seen members of this board jumping off the bridge.
(2) The days of making trades on napkins late at night at the bar are over. IF what Nightingale is true, the trades are likely already made….might have been made in the middle of the World Series. Deals are likely already in place.
Again, if what Heyman had to say in ( an extremely excellent book) “Lords of the Realm” is true, Nightingale has survived all these years by being a PR guy for GMs he likes. So DD has to do an unpopular thing…he feeds it to Nightingale, softens the blow.
jmi1950
Bob — “Lords of the Realm” is a great read but it was written by Heylar. DD is not giving insider info to Nightingale when he has local writers like
Gammons, Browne etc to curry favor with. By giving the scoop to Nightingale he would be creating ill will with the entire Boston press corp.
As for trades having been made during the WS, that’s nuts. It is true that ideas are sometimes discussed for months before a deal is stuck but no one sits on a done deal for months. The delays ususally involve medicals.
Samuel
Excellent.
I love people that post here saying that GM’s leaking names to the media such as Rick Portello or Sonny Gray as being moved in the near future undermines the return they’ll bring.
Seriously?
Clubhouse boys told their buds at the race track 3-4 months ago what the FO’s plans were with some players. Nothing is hidden. Everyone in MLB knows what is with everyone else. Sure, surprises happen. But who can’t figure out that it’s going to take a boatload to re-up Betts and Sale? So DD will slowly position the team, least they become the Detroit Tigers that he left after handing out hundred million dollar contracts to old players at the behest of an owner that would pay anything in hopes of getting to the WS.
Yes, these leaks to the media are for the fans to slowly adjust their expectations. It’s all theater. ‘Veeck As In Wreak’ -Bill explained lots in his book. (Hey remember the Joe DiMaggio for Ted Williams talk? Kept fans involved.)
bobtillman
I love it when fans criticize DD for doing EXACTLY what his boss (owner) told him to do……this is an alien concept for some people. Baseball exists in a universe foreign to our own.
I’m sure that DD (like all good GMs) has a weekly plan, a monthly plan, a 2019 plan, and plans for several forthcoming years. He’s also bright enough to realize you toss then all in the trash when something unexpected (injury, poor performance, even better performance) happens.
As for transactions, most are planned several months in advance. Agents have to be considered, accountants, lawyers, sometimes private investigators. These are million dollar decisions being made, and some think they’re made on the basis of the Prospect Handbook. I’d invite anyone to go tell his boss he’s going to invest 5M of the bosses money based on something he read in the newspaper.
And you’re 100 % right. Teams are “franchises”; everybody drinks from the same well. Don’t play nice with the other boys and you wind up like……Bill Veck, actually.
butch779988
Just a bad rumor..ain’t happening….ignore
TooToughToScuffle
All is not well in Beantown? Xander is a great. great shortstop. Porcello is a good pitcher who pitched well in the postseason. Replace them with whom????? I wouldn’t touch Machado with a ten foot pole, if that’s what they are thinking. A free agent starter is just as expensive, too.
Nick4747
Maybe DD sees it as a way to get in on thor he’s cheaper and cost controlled and the Mets seem to have $ and might like the idea of getting guys that are always on the field and obviously are trying to win now with acquiring cano. Other players would be involved.
ramon garciaparra
Trading guys a year too early has never hurt the Patriots despite moaning and groaning from the fans. Bogaerts for Darby Swanson and a young arm; Bradley and Porcello for Trevor Bauer and sign Bryce Harper. Team would be series contender in 2019 and in good shape going forward with room to sign mookie.
Nick4747
I agree with everything u said except for the porcello thing unless a third team is involved way to much $ for the indians. And let the fans groan so long as they’re winning
jmi1950
I find it odd that ONLY Nightingale is making this claim..
Although, last Dec. ONLY Nightingale had the Sox over the Lux Tax.
Oh and, 3 yrs ago Only Nightingale had Boegy, JBJ and Swihart traded to Phil. for Hamels.
alien
Betts for Nimmo and McNeal.
jmi1950
And Bonilla.
evenhand
The Red Sox are going to do everything they can to repeat as champs. The only way they would do a trade is if they felt it was going to improve their chances to win again in 2019. Anyone who thinks the Red Sox are going to trade guys to reduce payroll and boost their farm system doesn’t understand what the Sox are about in 2019. Henry and company are in it to win it, again. I see them re-signing Joe Kelly as well as another quality bullpen arm while at the same time keeping the rest of the team intact for at least one more year. Sure they will listen to offers, they would be stupid not to listen, but I don’t see them doing anything to weaken the existing team.
oldleftylong
DD has swapped him before. Why not twice??
hozie007
Maybe if the Red Sox weren’t paying $45 million next year to players who won’t even be on the field in 2019, they wouldn’t have to go this route.