The Boston Red Sox need to make a splash to vault themselves back into contention in the American League East.
Corbin Burnes and Max Fried offer the most sensible options on the free agent market, while the Red Sox are reportedly linked to several starters in trade scenarios. Regardless of the path, the Red Sox need to back up Craig Breslow’s decisive words and take action with a major addition.
Manager Alex Cora deserves that after years of playoff absences for the man who led the Red Sox to a World Series title in his first season at the helm.
“I think that’s a testament of who we are as an organization and what we have done the last few years,” Cora told NESN’s Tom Caron in Dallas. “We put ourselves in this position. We’ve been talking about these kids for a while. It’s time to, like I said before, execute. I think Craig and the group, they’re doing an outstanding job. It’s nonstop.”
While Boston is yet to make an impact signing down in Dallas, Cora reaffirmed that several conversations continue to upgrade the roster, particularly the pitching staff.
“We’re very active,” Cora said. “It’s an expensive market. There’s some big ducks out there that are going to make a lot of money.”
The MLB Winter Meetings continue for a few more days in Dallas. The Red Sox still have time in the latest stage of the offseason to strike.
“We’ll see what happens,” Cora added. “We’re excited. The fact that we’re talking about the now means a lot to me. That’s the reason I decided to stay here. I think this is a great organization, one that really wants to win. Hopefully, we can accomplish on that.”
