MLB Rumors: Red Sox 'Adamant on Signing' Fried or Snell; Eye Willy Adames Contract
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly looking to go big in free agency this winter as they seek improvements both on the mound and in the field.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Red Sox "are adamant on signing at least one lefty" free-agent starting pitcher between Max Fried and Blake Snell. The team reportedly "informed agents that they not only want to sign one of the marquee free-agent pitchers," but "actually want to sign two."
Fried went 11-10 for the Atlanta Braves this past season with a 3.25 ERA and 166 strikeouts. Snell, the 2023 NL Cy Young Award winner, spent 2024 with the San Francisco Giants and went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA and 145 strikeouts. Along with former Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes, they're expected to be the most coveted pitchers on the market.
However, Boston isn't solely focused on pitching. Nightengale added that the Red Sox "also have strong interest in All-Star free-agent shortstop Willy Adames," who is reportedly "willing to move to third base."
Boston reportedly has had internal discussions about moving star third baseman Rafael Devers to a different position, so Adames would surely fill that hole. Signing free agent Alex Bregman or trading for St. Louis Cardinals star Nolan Arenado were also mentioned as options.
After going 81-81 and missing the playoffs for the third straight year, the Red Sox are poised to make a run at big-name players this offseason in hopes of turning their luck around.
