Crimson Sox rumors: In on Shohei Ohtani, contender covets Justin Turner

The Crimson Sox could have had an early finish to their 2023 season, however that doesn’t imply that their offseason gained’t be energetic.

Now that the World Collection is over and MLB‘s offseason is about to start, rumors and hypothesis about the very best matches for high free brokers are starting to flow into. Among the many greatest questions for this offseason entails the subsequent residence for celebrity Shohei Ohtani, and USA As we speak’s Bob Nightengale believes that the Crimson Sox and new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow may reply that query.

“The Boston Crimson Sox, with new GM [sic] Craig Breslow, are anticipated to be closely thought of [for Ohtani],” Nightengale wrote Sunday.

This wouldn’t be the primary time Ohtani has been linked to the Crimson Sox. Ohtani has an endorsement take care of Boston-based attire firm New Steadiness and reportedly has a powerful relationship with CEO Jim Davis, and a few consider that Ohtani has “lengthy been intrigued” by the town itself. Due to these causes, league insiders and former Crimson Sox gamers consider that Ohtani might be switching coasts and taking part in his residence video games at Fenway Park subsequent season.

Regardless of these hyperlinks and connections, the Crimson Sox may have competitors for Ohtani’s companies. Nightingale wrote that the Los Angeles Dodgers are nonetheless the heavy favorites to signal Ohtani, and that the Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels and each New York groups are all as effectively.

No matter whether or not the Crimson Sox signal Ohtani, it’s not unlikely that their roster will look completely different in March than it does proper now. That might presumably imply having to say goodbye to some fan-favorites, similar to designated hitter/nook infielder Justin Turner, who reportedly has some very suitors.

“The Arizona Diamondbacks, who desperately desire a third baseman, plan to pursue free agent Justin Turner, who exercised his choose out with the Boston Crimson Sox,” Nightengale wrote. “He’s atop their want record.”

Turner reportedly likes Boston and is open to a return, and the Crimson Sox reportedly really feel the identical means. Nevertheless it’s reportedly unclear if they’ll supply the 38-year-old a multiyear, profitable supply, which might make it troublesome to retain him if groups just like the Diamondbacks give him a “Godfather” supply that almost all groups would give to their No. 1 targets.

Talking of “Godfather” gives, final offseason noticed the Crimson Sox lose All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who accepted an 11-year, $280 million contract to play for the San Diego Padres. However now that the Padres are experiencing monetary woes after a disappointing season, Nightengale speculates that there’s an opportunity the recently-signed Bogaerts might be taking part in elsewhere quickly.

“If [the Padres] must make some powerful choices, GMs say, they wouldn’t be stunned to see the Padres dangle shortstop Xander Bogaerts and outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. in inventive offers to keep away from buying and selling [Juan] Soto,” Nightengale wrote.

The Crimson Sox’ emptiness at shortstop that Bogaerts left is now stuffed by Trevor Story, who will enter the third yr of his six-year, $140 million contract, with No. 1 prospect Marcelo Mayer at the moment set to comply with.