GREAT NEWS: Red Sox listed as a fit for two-time Cy Young winner in a surprise waiver claim
It’s August, and the Boston Red Sox need pitchers. Unfortunately, they may have missed their opportunity to take action.
The tale is all too familiar for Red Sox supporters, who have seen their team wither away down the stretch in both 2022 and 2023 after reaching above.500 at the trade deadline. With the majority of starting pitchers pitching career-high innings and the bullpen failing, it appears that history is repeating itself.
Things aren’t looking good as the Red Sox prepare to face three current playoff teams in a 10-game stretch beginning Thursday with a depleted pitching staff. Unless a miracle answer emerges, Boston will have to score a lot of runs to keep up with their formidable opponents.
But one writer feels there is a tiny chance that a miracle solution may emerge via waiver wire.
According to Zachary Presnell of FanSided, the Red Sox are one of the top destinations for San Francisco Giants standout and two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, should he be placed on waivers as a cost-cutting move.
“Boston could really use another starter,” Presnell stated. “If Snell becomes available, I see no reason why Boston would not want to pay his contract and retain his services for the remainder of the season. Boston needs to make a run this season.”
Snell, 31, has been baseball’s most dominant pitcher since the All-Star break. In his previous seven starts, he has a 0.99 ERA,.097 opponents’ batting average, and 60 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings. Oh, and he pitched a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds.
In terms of talent, Snell makes perfect sense for the Red Sox. However, paying the contract may be a bigger concern than Presnell suggests.
The Red Sox’s ownership has appeared hesitant to allow the front management to increase the payroll during the last two seasons, and their current tax payroll is approximately $223.9 million, according to Spotrac. If Snell unexpectedly joined the Red Sox’s roster, the team would be responsible for an additional $6 million in payroll.
It may be unlikely. It may even be a non-starter if the front management met down and explored the potential of Snell’s release. But if the Red Sox actually land Snell… oh goodness.
