The Boston Red Sox have been reluctant to give long-term contracts to pitchers in their 30s. Is that going to change with Dave Dombrowski now serving as president of baseball operations?
It remains to be seen, of course, but it’s an interesting question, in large because Red Sox principal owner John Henry has been opposed to the idea in recent years. For now, Boston is keeping an open mind about potentially signing a high-priced starter in free agency.
“I’ve had numerous conversations with John (Henry) — I wouldn’t divulge what my conversations are — but we’ve discussed it quite thoroughly,” Dombrowski said at this week’s MLB General Managers Meetings, according to the Boston Herald. “We haven’t eliminated anything at this point.”
The free-agent market is chock full of talented starters this offseason, with David Price, Zack Greinke and Johnny Cueto chief among them. The Red Sox seemingly have the financial resources to sign an ace, but many starters — those three in particular — are expected to land huge contracts, and there’s an inherent risk in making such a commitment.
“I’m not so sure there’s many baseball people that like those seven-year contracts for guys at certain ages,” Dombrowski said. “Now, do you end up eventually doing that? I guess that’s an individual call.”
So far, the Red Sox have been linked to a couple of relievers. Rumors regarding big name starters likely will increase in the coming days and weeks.
Dombrowski said the Red Sox “made contact with numerous players of interest” during the GM meetings, according to the Boston Herald.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@ColeHamelsMLB
