The Boston Red Sox will look to make big moves this offseason after a dismal campaign this year, and reports revealed that they are eyeing free agents Pablo Sandoval and Jon Lester.
The Red Sox, who finished last in American League East last season with their 71-91 record, are aware that Sandoval, one of the top free agents this offseason, is leaning towards returning to the San Francisco Giants.
But according to Gordon Edes, a trusted MLB analyst from ESPN Boston, the Red Sox are planning to go "all-in" to acquire the Sandoval, knowing that the 28-year-old could solve their problem at third base next season.
Sandoval, who batted .279 with 16 homeruns and 73 RBIs in 157 games last season, could also become the team's designated hitter once 38-year-old veteran David Ortiz decides to call it quits.
When asked about the possibility of signing Sandoval this offseason, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington confirmed on Tuesday that he recently met with the third baseman's agent, Gustavo Vazquez.
Sandoval, who spent the first seven seasons of his career in San Francisco where he won three World Series over the past four years, is reportedly looking for a six-year deal worth around $90 million to $100 million.
Aside from Sandoval, the Red Sox are also planning to sit down with Jon Lester to talk about a possible reunion just four months after Boston traded the veteran pitcher to the Oakland Athletics.
Lester, who went 16-11 with a 2.46 ERA in 32 starts last season, is also looking for a six-year deal for at least $20 million per season. It is unclear at this point, though, if the Red Sox are willing to offer such deal to the nine-year veteran, who started his career in Boston.
Reports indicated that the Red Sox won't offer long-term deals to players north of 30 years old. But when asked if they will observe the same policy for Lester, who will turn 31 in January, Cherington said that they are open to making exceptions.
"It's never been a hard policy," Cherington said. "We've made exceptions, and I'm sure there will be another exception. It's a case-by-case thing. If all the boxes are checked, sure, there will be a longer term deal. It's just as we've done in the past."
