Red Sox draw criticism from ESPN's Jeff Passan amid 'not enough' spending

Matt Sullivan

•
Red Sox draw criticism from ESPN's Jeff Passan amid 'not enough' spending image

This offseason has been a mixed bag for the Boston Red Sox. On one hand, they've made a few nice trades for Johan Oviedo, Sonny Gray, and Willson Contreras. On the other hand, they've lost out on a few key free agents.

Pete Alonso went to the division rival Baltimore Orioles, but more importantly, Alex Bregman left to join the Chicago Cubs amid a completely messed-up contract negotiation, according to various reports on talks between Bregman and the Red Sox.

Amid the odd offseason, ESPN's Jeff Passan criticized the front office's spending, calling upon Craig Breslow and company to actually spend this winter, and not let their next top targets slip through their fingers again.

Red Sox criticized by ESPNs' Jeff Passan

"They are the only team not to sign a major league free agent, yes, but they did get Willson Contreras, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo via trade," Passan writes. "It's not enough, though. Not in the AL East, let alone the entire landscape of the game."

The current offseason moves from the Red Sox are decent pickups and should help the team in a big way next season. But, they still need more help to be serious postseason and World Series contenders.

Amid the Red Sox losing Bregman and other top free agents, along with their current additions, Passan posed a simple question: "Do they have enough talent?"

They have made a few nice trades and have some quality players like Roman Anthony, Garrett Crochet, and Aroldis Chapman. But, Passan believes that "No," the Red Sox don't have enough talent.

More: Red Sox linked to frustrating Alex Bregman replacements after Cubs deal

The Toronto Blue Jays have been big spenders and are still strongly linked to Kyle Tucker this winter. The New York Yankees, even though they've not made many big moves, are still suitors for Cody Bellinger.

The Orioles have added Alonso and a few other quality additions to the pitching staff and the lineup, and still aren't done adding. While the Tampa Bay Rays aren't big spenders, they, too, have made a couple of nice under-the-radar moves.

Passan doesn't think they have a good enough roster to compete for a World Series. Their misses in free agency, especially with Bregman, have the Red Sox in a hole that's not easy to climb out of.

The criticism from Passan is warranted, as the Red Sox, despite their expensive offseason trades, are not capable of contending with the top teams in the AL East this upcoming season.

More MLB news:

Senior Editor