The Boston Red Sox have missed out on their man. Despite their heavy pursuit to bring Jon Lester back to the team in free agency, the pitcher has opted to sign with the Chicago Cubs to the tune of six years and $155 million. Boston only offered $135 without the option for a seventh year. So now the Red Sox are left to go to plan B in hopes of still landing a big name, but the team could be faced with the ultimatum of buying or selling this offseason if their quest of a big arm falls flat.
If the Red Sox want to go big or go home, they can enter the race of Max Scherzer. The former Detroit Tigers pitcher is currently the best available with Lester off the market. He is commanding big money that the Red Sox might not aim to spend considering they would not budge on their offer to Lester. Scherzer turned down a six-year, $144 million deal from Detroit and is reportedly seeking eight years and $200 million according to ESPN. The chances Boston chases him are slim.
James Shields could be a better option considering he is preparing to turn 33-years-old and has fallen from the ace he once was with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, Shields is extremely durable and can still win games for any team that signs him. His contract demands would be smaller compared to Scherzer and Lester. His annual salary would likely be less than $25.8 million for fewer years.
According to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal, the Red Sox are leaning towards making a trade for someone over a signing. The Red Sox have a very deep and talented pool of prospects to deal and considering they have already added bigger bats to the lineup, they can afford to deal. Cole Hamels would be an intended target as the Philadelphia Phillies search out the right return price for the pitcher. He is a logical choice considering his ERA and postseason resume.
Jordan Zimmermann is also available to acquire. ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Washington Nationals do not believe they can retain the pitcher in free agency and are looking to deal if possible. Zimmermann is on the block along with Doug Fister. However, Olney writes the Nationals are seeking help at the second and third base positions, something Boston does not have to give.
