Insider slams door shut on Red Sox’s longshot pursuits of star free agent pitchers
Two top-tier free-agent pitchers remain on the market, and despite being in desperate need of an experienced arm, the Red Sox refuse to sign either of them.
Alex Speier of The Boston Globe has reported Boston is unwilling to ink long-term deals for either Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell — something we knew but didn’t have this kind of confirmation to validate the feeling.
From the beginning of the offseason, the front office asserted that starting pitching would be a high priority for the Red Sox — and singing a quality starting arm would be on Boston’s only path to fielding a competitive team.
Montgomery and Snell are the best options remaining in terms of starters, but even a desperate Sox fan can admit that the deals they’re looking for are a bit much, not necessarily in terms of price, but in the overall commitment.
Red Sox reporter says Boston is unwilling to make a deal with Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell
It’s been reported that Snell and his agent, Scott Boras, who also represents Montgomery, have been in search of a nine-year, $270 million deal. The Yankees are allegedly the only team that has made Snell a formal offer, and it was over $100 million less than his rumored asking price.
No team will sign Snell for the nine years he’s been requesting. As a two-time Cy Young award winner, Snell’s services are highly coveted, but at the age of 31, a nine-year commitment is a huge ask, especially for his price.
Montgomery is also asking for long-term security, but his request has been more reasonable than Snell’s. It’s been reported that Montgomery is looking
for at least six years, $162 million. Also 31 years old, signing Montgomery for six years would still be a tad risky for any club, especially factoring in that he’s never been considered an “ace” before this offseason.
