Cora Defends Red Sox Approach Amid Free Agency Criticism
Boston Red Sox fans are all too familiar with the ongoing joke about their team’s reputation as the “interest kings” of the offseason. For several years, especially before last winter, the Red Sox found themselves as the punchline in conversations about free agency, frequently linked to high-profile players but unable to finalize any signings. This offseason, that narrative has resurfaced, as the Red Sox have yet to ink a major league free agent. However, this perception overlooks a significant detail: the team has bolstered its payroll by approximately $56 million through trades during the offseason.
Setting the Record Straight
In a candid conversation on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast, Red Sox manager Alex Cora addressed the swirling rumors surrounding the team’s free agency strategy. He urged fans to exercise caution and not take every rumor at face value. “Everybody has a source. Everybody, it’s amazing,” Cora quipped, stressing that not all information circulating in the media is reliable. His role, he pointed out, involves sifting through these rumors to identify what truly matters.
Cora made it clear that the Red Sox’s expression of interest in various players is part of their due diligence. “It’s the whole thing about, ‘they show interest.’ Well, we’d better!” he asserted. He emphasized that showing interest doesn’t necessarily indicate that a player is their top choice. Circumstances can change quickly, especially as the offseason progresses. “One month into the offseason, two months into the offseason… then you come to February, a guy is out there, and you haven’t even talked to him,” he elaborated. “Imagine that, you know, ‘Hey Rob, you’re out there, let me talk to you!’ And you’re like, ‘Forget that.’”
Navigating a Tough Landscape
The Red Sox find themselves in a challenging position. With a multitude of media outlets covering the team, any indication of interest in big-name players becomes public knowledge almost immediately. Naturally, the Red Sox are in the mix for some of the most sought-after free agents, players that smaller market teams typically wouldn’t pursue.
While it’s true that the Red Sox have been inconsistent in their serious pursuits of specific players, there’s a broader context to consider. The team is simply doing its due diligence by exploring all options and checking in on potential impact players.
As they navigate this complex landscape, Cora’s remarks serve as a reminder that the offseason is a fluid situation, and the Red Sox are working diligently to find the best fits for their roster, even if the headlines suggest otherwise.
