The two teams have agreed to table their compensation talks until after the Rule 5 draft on Dec. 8, according to MLB.com.
“[Cherington] and I talked, and we agreed that it makes sense to put it off until after the Rule 5 Draft,” said Epstein, who left for the Cubs with one year remaining on his contract with the Red Sox. “Some things will be more clear — rosters and what not. There’s nothing to report on except that we’ve agreed to re-engage after the Rule 5 Draft.”
The two sides seem to be enjoying the irony of Epstein negotiating his own price with his former team.
“Trust me, there are lots of jokes going on about it,” Epstein said. “The good ones can’t be repeated.”
Both teams had previously received an extension on making a deal from MLB commissioner Bud Selig, who has threatened to step in if the Red Sox and Cubs can’t come to an agreement soon.
