Flavin Media

So far, the Red Sox have made two notable acquisitions—SP Garrett Crochet and SP Walker Buehler—to back up management’s idea of competing to win the division and beyond. Although fans should be pleased with what these players can bring, these acquisitions speak to two elements I can confidently say ownership is strictly wanting to pursue:

Trading prospects for low AAV: Trading for SP Crochet from the White Sox involved the Red Sox’ farm system being the main price. Crochet is under contract this season for a little under $3M, and with no imminent extension so far, you can definitely say this aligns with the cheap Red Sox era as clearly as it gets.

Short deals: Signing SP Walker Buehler to a one-year, $21M deal also makes clear that ownership is currently only willing to spend larger amounts if it’s for one or two years. Besides the fact that this pitcher isn’t on the level of a free agent like Corbin Burnes, Buehler is also an injury concern—something that likely impacted the negotiations.

So, as much as fans should be excited about these types of moves, this obviously speaks to an issue that still exists within the organization. To a hard-working Red Sox journalist on site out there: when it comes to the next media presser with anyone from management, fans deserve an answer as to why the price of these moves involves prospects or short-term deals—and not sheer money.