The Red Sox are being smart and cautious this offseason, and that includes staying away from long-term contracts for free agents.
Still, Larry Lucchino said the Red Sox are “in on Josh Hamilton,” according to Jim Bowden of ESPN. Bowden also tweeted that the Red Sox are not going to sign players to six-, seven- or eight-year deals moving forward.
The Red Sox famously went long-term with Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez — signing both to seven-year contracts — and both players were shipped to the Dodgers during the 2012 season.
Hamilton is the premier offensive free agent this offseason. The 31-year-old outfielder had 43 home runs and 128 RBIs with a .285 batting and .930 OPS in 148 games with the Rangers last season.
