MLB insider slams Red Sox front office for alienating fans due to Alex Bregman fiasco, talent level of roster compared to division

The Boston Red Sox dealt a blow to themselves and their fans when they were too cheap to retain their superstar leader, Alex Bregman. Now, everyone has noticed that and is starting to call them out on it.

One critic is ESPN’s MLB insider, Jeff Passan, who called out the Sox’ front office for alienating its fans and stated that while they have a playoff-contending roster, they’re nowhere near their division rivals in terms of talent.

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“Regardless of how interested owner John Henry is or isn't in the Red Sox, he knows business, and it is generally not good business to alienate paying customers through degradation of product. If the season started today, the Red Sox would be a playoff contender, sure, but with Toronto and Baltimore improved and the Yankees the Yankees, is that enough? Getting Bichette, who's the obvious choice with Bregman gone and Ketel Marte off the trade market, would provide a huge boost. There are other pivots to make -- Nico Hoerner, Brendan Donovan or Isaac Paredes, with the right-handed bats more appealing - but ultimately all that matters is: Do they have enough talent? There are far worse places to start than with Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony, but the answer, compared to their peers, is: No.” Passan wrote. 

Right now, it’s hard to disagree with Passan. Currently, the best talent the Sox have are an All-Star and Cy Young candidate in Crochet, Gold Glovers in Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, an All-Star closer in Aroldis Chapman, an All-Star in Jarren Duran, and an “MVP candidate” in Roman Anthony, who, keep in mind, is going into his second season. 

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While on paper, that seems like a solid team, it’s really nothing compared to the talent of their division rivals, who all either got better or stayed the same. The Toronto Blue Jays have made major upgrades and are the favorite to land Kyle Tucker, the Baltimore Orioles got Pete Alonso and other upgrades, and the Yankees are going to be fully healthy by May.

So, hopefully, this serves as a wakeup call for Boston, and they finally go all out on a free agent, overpay or not.

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