The 2018 Boston Red Sox proved to be one of the best teams in recent MLB history, but their ability to keep all their top players together for the future is in doubt.
Team executive Dave Dombrowski acknowledged that the Red Sox won’t be able to keep all their stars beyond this season or next when they’re eligible for free agency. That list includes Xander Bogaerts, Chris Sale, Rick Porcello, and potentially JD Martinez
Red Sox have several stars eligible for free agency after this year or next. After 2019: Bogaerts, Sale, JD (both this year/next), Porcello. And GM Dave Dombrowski said, “We know we won’t be able to keep all of them under today’s system and finances (meaning 1 or more will go).”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 21, 2019
Among stars eligible for free agency Sale previously expressed some hope something could get done. There are believed no current contract talks w/ Bogaerts or JD (JD has 3 opt outs). Bogaerts agreed with the GM that there won’t be talks in season.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 21, 2019
The team’s long-term payroll commitments are to David Price, who is signed through 2022; Dustin Pedroia, who is signed through 2021; and postseason hero Nathan Eovaldi, who was just signed for $17 million per season through 2022. They will have money to spend on players, but they will have to pick and choose because keeping everyone would just get outrageous cost-wise.
One of the big questions is what JD Martinez will do. He signed a 5-year, $110 million deal with the team last year but can opt out after 2019, 2020 or 2021. He’s set to make $23.75 million this season and next and under contract for $19.35 million in 2021 and 2022. Boston hopes he will remain with the team after he played so well last season.
As if the thought of Bogaerts, Sale, Porcello and Martinez hitting free agency after this season weren’t already hard enough for Sox fans to stomach, Mookie Betts is set to become a free agent after 2020 and does not seem willing to sign a long-term contract before then.
Sox fans better enjoy the stacked team while they can before everyone gets too expensive and the roster changes.
