Much like Washington Nationals fans were led to believe that the team failed to retain Anthony Rendon and traded Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to fund a Juan Soto extension, Boston Red Sox supporters are starting to get a similar vibe.
The Red Sox traded Mookie Betts a few years ago, failed to sign top free agent targets, just lost Xander Bogaerts in a shocking turn of events, and are in danger of suffering the same fate with Rafael Devers next season.
As a result of the front office incompetence, the Red Sox finished last in 2022 and now lost one of their best players plus JD Martinez.
Fans are, as one might expect, not happy.
“We were sold on the idea that Mookie Betts was traded to LA so that the Red Sox would have the $$ to rebuild and contend. Well… it’s 2 years later and Bogaerts is gone, the rotation is held together by kids glue and the outfield is a scratch ticket. Can’t wait for Opening Day!” NESN’s Gio Rivera tweeted.
We were sold on the idea that Mookie Betts was traded to LA so that the Red Sox would have the $$$$ to rebuild and contend. Well… it’s 2 years later and Bogaerts is gone, the rotation is held together by kids glue and the outfield is a scratch ticket. Can’t wait for Opening Day!
— Gio Rivera (@sportsguygio) December 8, 2022
Can Boston Still Save The Offseason And Contend?
The team did sign promising Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida and closer Kenley Jansen before losing Bogaerts.
Two good news pieces turned into a really bad one in the span of a few hours.
Losing Bogaerts is a huge blow for their chances of contending, but they still can save the offseason if they make the right moves.
There are still top shortstops on the market and a couple of good outfielders.
They also have the trade market.
At this point, they can’t tear down and rebuild, but need to make sound decisions to improve their chances.
Might as well trade Devers for pieces are rebuild and be the Baltimore Orioles for a while that seems to be the Bloom way. Even if Mayer and Yorke become great players its the same thing – not worth watching this team as long as Bloom and this FO are around