Red Sox Fans Get Exciting Update in Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes

The last few years have seen the Boston Red Sox part with an alarming number of star players, from Mookie Betts and David Price to Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez. Worse, the team made absolutely zero effort to replace them.

That could be about to change this offseason, however, as the Red Sox appear to be in the mix for the best player in baseball.

Ahead of this week's upcoming GM meetings in Arizona, all anyone can talk about is Shohei Ohtani. And while he's expected to remain on the West Coast (the Los Angeles Dodgers are favored to sign him), USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that Boston is "expected to be heavily considered" by Ohtani and his agent, Scott Boras.

That's great news for Red Sox fans, who could certainly use a player like Ohtani to put a charge back into their franchise. It also wouldn't be surprising to see new Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow make a strong push for Ohtani, as signing him would be a huge start to his tenure in Boston.

While Ohtani is expected to command around $400 or $500 million (perhaps more) on the open market, Breslow did say during his introductory press conference that he he doesn't expect financial resources to be a limiting factor this offseason.

That implies that Red Sox ownership is willing to spend heavily again after trimming payroll the last four years and getting under the luxury tax in 2023. Coming off back-to-back last-place finishes and with attendance down last year, Boston has both the motivation and the money to land Ohtani.

And while Ohtani is expected to remain on the West Coast because it's closer to Japan, perhaps he'd be willing to change his tune if Breslow can convince him that joining the Red Sox gives him the best chance to win a championship.

Even if Boston doesn't get Ohtani, it's still exciting to at least be in the mix for a megastar again. It's been years since that was the case, and it's honestly refreshing.

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