Why NL Exec Reportedly Very High On This Red Sox Signing

The Red Sox followed through on their goal to bolster the rotation, impressing rival executives.

Boston made a blockbuster trade for Garrett Crochet and reportedly signed Walker Buehler. It’s unknown if chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is done, but those two pitchers are enough to give Alex Cora’s side a solid starting corps to work with.

The Red Sox were an active player in the market and have been linked to multiple key free agents. The Buehler signing impressed one executive the most.

“If Buehler can stay healthy, he might be the best sign of the winter,” a National League executive told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. “He can dominate when he’s right. Plus they didn’t have to give up a pick to sign him.”

Boston reportedly signed Buehler to a one-year $21.05 million contract, which is right about where the qualifying offer was valued. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t extend one to the two-time All-Star. That meant the Red Sox didn’t have to give up a draft pick, and they could acquire one if they extend a qualifying offer next offseason.

Breslow’s offseason isn’t done, but the Red Sox look primed to achieve their goals after their first wave of moves.