The Boston Red Sox were one of many teams eyeing Phillies right fielder Jayson Werth before the July 31 trade deadline.
Werth, who is expected to be one of the top two (along with Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford) free-agent outfielders on the market this winter, stayed put in Philadelphia — for now. Odds are, however, there will be many clubs vying for Werth’s services this offseason, including the Red Sox.
Unfortunately for every general manager interested in the All-Star, it appears that he’ll be signing with infamous agent Scott Boras.
On Friday, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick tweeted that Werth parted ways with former agent Jeff Borris. Now, sources tell NBC Sports that Werth is "way down the road" in signing with Boras, and it’s looking like the two will reach an agreement.
The Red Sox could use a player like Werth, who leads the NL with 44 doubles and is sixth with a .911 OPS. His OPS has been at least .861 every year since joining the Phillies in 2007, and his postseason track record speaks for itself — Werth has 11 home runs, 20 RBIs and a 1.044 OPS in 35 career playoff games.
Werth is also an exceptional defensive player who can play all the outfield positions well and has a rocket for an arm.
After what to this point has been a disappointing season for the Red Sox, it wouldn’t be surprising if GM Theo Epstein whips out his checkbook and goes after as many big-name free agents as possible, with Werth being one of the biggest.
But dealing with Boras is never easy.
After the Red Sox failed to sign Mark Teixeira, a Boras client, before the 2009 season, the team wasfurious with the agent’s dishonesty during the proceedings. One source even said that the Red Sox would never deal with Boras again.
Unfortunately, if you want the best players, you have to deal with the best agents. And Boras has proven time and time again that he’s the best because he gets his players the most money.
If the Red Sox want Werth, and Werth signs with Boras, the 2010 offseason could be another ugly showdown between a proud organization and a thrifty businessman.
And don’t forget: The Yankees will undoubtedly be right in the middle of it all.
