Jon Heyman on the Red Sox this offseason: ‘bound and determined to do something big’
Red Sox fans are waiting patiently for the club to make a splash this offseason, whether it be a trade or via free agency.
Following two consecutive last-place finishes, the Red Sox need to do something big to generate fan interest and sell tickets at Fenway Park.
It seems like the team finally realizes they need to make a splash, too. During a recent stream for Bleacher Report, The New York Post’s Jon Heyman stated the Red Sox are looking to make a major splash this offseason and discussed their chances of landing Shohei Ohtani.
“The Red Sox, I’ve heard some buzz about them, they were the original team of Babe Ruth, who’s been compared to Ohtani,” Heyman said. “They need to do something big. People tell me that Boston is ‘bound and determined to do something big.’ Whether it’s Ohtani, or something else, they need to do something.”
The Red Sox have been linked to Ohtani in the past and he reportedly “loves” and has a “fondness” for Fenway Park.
Boston will have company, many teams around league, including the Dodgers, Yankees, Blue Jays and Mets all have interest in the Japanese phenom.
The betting odds for Boston to land Ohtani have dipped in recent days, going from +1000 to +1500, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Heyman also believes that free agent Jordan Montgomery is “in play” for the Red Sox and that he’s “not going to rule out” a reunion with Eduardo Rodriguez. FanSided’s Robert Murray reported this week that he doesn’t think Boston will sign Rodriguez.
“I don't necessarily have names for you as of this point. I don't think as of right now, I don't think E-Rod is as a strong possibility there. Things could change. But I don't think it's I don't think E-Rod is gonna end up in Boston. But I, again, I just want to preface before the aggregators get a hold of that. One phone call can change everything. But as of right now, I just don't see that happening.”
Boston has been searching for top of the rotation type starters this offseason. Rodriguez is a logical candidate to return to the Red Sox given his time spent with the organization.
Rodriguez spent the last two seasons with the Tigers before opting out of his contract at the end of the season. This past year, the southpaw posted a 3.30 ERA with 48 walks and 143 strikeouts over 152 2/3 frames (26 starts).
New Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has already said this offseason that he’d like to add possibly two starters this winter. Ohtani will not be able to pitch this season, but landing the former MVP would be “big,” and the Red Sox need to make a huge splash, badly.
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When will this “big” event take place?