Red Sox News: Boston finds pitching coach, odds for Shohei Ohtani, key roster moves
DraftKings Sportsbook adjusted its odds for free agent superstar Shohei Ohtani’s next landing spot. While the Red Sox made the list, their odds aren’t exactly favorable.
DraftKings puts the Red Sox at +1000 to sign Ohtani, giving them a worse chance than the Dodgers, Cubs, Giants, Mets, Yankees, and Rangers. The Dodgers at +110 is an eye-popping figure from the sportsbook. Not only is Los Angeles favored, but they are favored quite heavily. It’s rare to see a sportsbook put this much faith into a specific free agent and team pairing.
With that said, Ohtani to the Dodgers is nowhere near a foregone conclusion. The superstar will surely take his time and consider plenty of options (including location and the benefits of a long-term versus short-term deal) before putting pen to paper.
The Red Sox made a series of 40-man-roster-related moves this week in preparation for the Rule 5 draft and arbitration deadlines.
Pitching prospects Wikelman Gonzalez and Luis Perales were both added to the 40-man roster, protecting them from being selected in next month’s Rule 5 draft. Neither player is expected to reach the majors in 2024, but nevertheless, the Red Sox wanted to make sure they didn’t lose either up-and-coming hurler.
Notably, Boston chose not to protect Shane Drohan, a left-hander who pitched well with Double-A Portland before struggling upon his promotion to Worcester.
The Red Sox also tendered contracts to Alex Verdugo, John Schreiber, Nick Pivetta, and Reese McGuire on Friday, picking up control of their contracts for the 2024 season. The club will head to arbitration with these players unless an extension is reached first. Eric Cole describes that entire process here.
Meanwhile, Boston did not tender a contract to pitcher Wyatt Mills. He is now a free agent.
Finally, Boston chose to move on from veteran infielder Luis Urias. Craig Breslow and his staff decided that Urias wasn't worth the $4.7 million that MLB Trade Rumors projected him to earn in 2024. However, instead of non-tendering him, Boston was able to trade Urias to the Mariners. You can find our coverage of the trade and compensation here.
