Photo credit: Kelly O’Connor
As soon as the clock strikes 12:01 tonight, Major League free agents will be able to sign with whichever team they would like. While MLB free agency is typically a long and drawn out process that takes close to three months to completely flesh out, early offseason signings aren’t all that crazy to come across. Two years ago, the Red Sox made their first transaction on November tenth, when the team inked free agent catcher David Ross to a 2-year deal. Shortly there after, Boston signed Jonny Gomes to a two-year, $10M pact on the twenty first of November. Perhaps the Red Sox most notable November transaction in recent history came shortly after Thanksgiving in 2004, when the team completed a deal with the Diamondbacks for Curt Schilling. While the hot stove is usually burning its brightest during the months of December and January, November can be a time of action for teams looking to get a jump on their offseason wishlist. In fact, we could see an increased amount of chatter as soon as next week, as MLB General Managers will gather in Arizona for their first meeting of the offseason.
- After signing Rusney Castillo, it seemed like the Red Sox were prepared to pass up the opportunity to sign fellow Cuban defector Yasmany Tomas. However, Boston went against popular opinion over the weekend, and held a private workout for the 24-year old outfielder. While a deal still seems unlikely due to Boston’s glut of outfield talent, you can’t fault Boston for doing their homework and keeping their options open. (Red Sox conduct private workout for Tomas)
- After suffering a shoddy 2014 season on the mound, the Red Sox declined their team option on left-handed reliever Craig Breslow. Now a free agent, the 34-year old followed up his impressive 2013 season by posting an ERA close to 6.00 over 54.1 innings pitched. However, Red Sox General Manager Ben Cherington kept the door open on a reunion between the two sides. (Craig Breslow eligible for free agency)
- In nine seasons with the Red Sox, Kevin Youkilis provided the Red Sox with a grind-it-out approach at the plate, and versatility in the infield. Coming up through the organization as a third baseman, Youk seamlessly slide over to first base for the better part of his Red Sox career, before switching back to the hot corner. While current Red Sox prospect Garin Cecchini isn’t nearly as polished of a defender or batter as “The Greek God of Walks”, he does offer an interesting comparison for the future. (Can Garin Cecchini be the next Kevin Youklilis?)
- The Red Sox have never been shy to spend money, but since the near backfire of the Carl Crawford deal and the implementation of new the new collective bargaining agreement, the team is forced to be more responsible with their funds. While the Sox brass have made their feelings known about lucrative deals to aging players, might this offseason be a good time for the team to dig deep into their pockets? (Might be time for the Red Sox to break the bank)
- With free agency set to open in just a few hours, the Red Sox will be among the 30 clubs looking to improve their teams. While the 2015 free agent class doesn’t offer the most overwhelming lot of talent, their are plenty of pieces that the Red Sox should be in pursuit of. The Red Sox will perhaps be the most vocal in the starting pitching and third base market, but the price tags on both fronts figure to reach astronomical heights. (Red Sox watching market as free agency begins on Tuesday)
- Tweet of the day: I ask myself the same question at least 100 times a day.
where is baseball?
— Red (@SurvivingGrady) November 1, 2014