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Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers didn’t pull any punches with reporters Tuesday regarding his thoughts on his team’s offseason moves (or lack thereof).
Chris Cotillo @ChrisCotillo
Rafael Devers pretty clear that he thinks the Red Sox need to keep adding. “Everybody knows what we need.”
He has expressed to the front office that they need more.
Simply put, the Red Sox did very little this offseason after finishing last in the AL East with a 78-84 record. Devers is obviously unhappy with the result, leading to outspoken and blunt remarks that aren’t typical from him.
Jen McCaffrey @jcmccaffrey
Rafael Devers was about as outspoken as he’s ever been saying he was disappointed the team didn’t add more this winter and even at the trade deadline last year
This year’s projections aren’t encouraging either, with FanGraphs placing the Red Sox last in the AL East once again.
As far as what the team needs, it’s already been said by management. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow stated in November that “there’s a need for a bona fide starter or two.”
MLB Network @MLBNetwork
“We’re happy with Alex [Verdugo] on the Red Sox.”
Craig Breslow joined @jonmorosi to address trade rumors, the international free agent market and more on #MLBTonight. pic.twitter.com/WYnY1tYxkC
The Red Sox did land starter Lucas Giolito in a two-year deal, but there’s serious questions about his effectiveness after he posted a 7.13 ERA in his final 14 starts in 2023. He’s in line to be the team’s ace this year.
Boston also traded talent away in outfielder Alex Verdugo and starting pitcher Chris Sale, and Justin Turner left in free agency. The Sox did add promising infielder Vaughn Grissom from the Braves in the Sale trade, but it’s fair for Red Sox fans to be upset with the lack of wholesale changes for the better after a rough season.
Devers isn’t the only current or former Red Sox player to express frustratuons.
“I definitely feel frustrated,” Jansen said. “I came here for two years where Year 1 we were going to compete but by Year 2 they were really going to go after it. I get it, there have been a lot of changes in this organization. They have a different vision now. I get it. It’s part of business. But at the same time I have one more year left here and I’m going to give the fans the best that I have.
“I always will be dedicated to my craft and what I’m doing. I want to be great. I want to put up a show. So, I’m going to give my best all the time when I step on that mound. But it’s definitely frustrating watching how things go, but it’s not in our control. What is in our control is to go out here and be the best leader I can be. Be the best voice I can be in the clubhouse. Help the young guys. Help myself. And learn how to win.”
Even Red Sox legend Dustin Pedroia had a FaceTime with team management about signing available free agents, to the point where team president Sam Kennedy said: “He was very clear about his feelings.”
It’s easy to ultimately point the finger at the Fenway Sports Group, which owns the team. The Red Sox have seen three World Series under their watch (2004, 2007, 2013), but a title seems far away now given the state of the roster.
NBC Sports Boston’s John Tomase had this to say on the matter (h/t Kaley Brown on boston.com).
NBC Sports Boston @NBCSBoston
“I think people [with the organization] are legitimately embarrassed”@jtomase paints a pretty bleak picture about the state of the Red Sox so far during Spring Training 😨 pic.twitter.com/Pynoa0t0K6
“I think that there are people in this organization who are genuinely embarrassed by the way the offseason unfolded, by the product they’re going to be putting on the field this year, by the fact that we’re going into a season kind of knowing that they’re going to finish last,” Tomase said on “Arbella Early Edition” Friday. “I think people are legitimately embarrassed.”
Clearly, the vibes going into the 2024 season are fraught with pessimism. We’ll soon find out how the Red Sox’s campaign goes down soon enough, though, beginning on March 28 with a road date at the Seattle Mariners.
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