Red Sox 'Could Be Eyeing' Projected $260 Million Superstar Free Agent

Will the Red Sox get in the mix for a superstar this winter?
Sep 6, 2020; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; An empty Fenway Park is seen during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2020; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; An empty Fenway Park is seen during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images / Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

The Boston Red Sox's starting rotation could get a massive face lift this winter.

Boston hasn't been as high-spending in recent years as many have expected it to. Despite this fact, the Red Sox have plenty of money to spend and this upcoming free-agent class is extremely deep. Boston's biggest need is a starting pitcher at the top of the rotation and one of the best hurlers in baseball will be available in Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes.

Burnes would be a perfect fit and FanSided's Zach Pressnell speculated that the Red Sox could end up showing some interest.

"They have a few solid pitching options, but I would anticipate that they will be active in free agency in the starting pitching market. Boston could be eyeing a starter like Corbin Burnes to replace (Nick Pivetta)."

This isn't a report, but is more speculation but it makes sense. This isn't the first time Burnes has been suggested as a fit for the Red Sox and it isn't hard to see why. He is one of the best pitchers in baseball and has had success in the American League East this season with the Orioles. He has a 3.18 ERA in 29 starts this season and has kept the Orioles' rotation afloat amongst a handful of high-impact injuries.

If the Red Sox want him, they are going to have to open the check book as he is projected to land a deal worth around $260 million, according to The Athletic's Tim Britton.

"The baseline for his free-agent years looks like the seven-year, $245 million deal Stephen Strasburg signed after the 2019 World Series — which is also what Max Scherzer’s initial deal with the (Washington Nationals) equals in today’s money," Britton said. "Let’s suggest that as the extension, with the idea that a characteristic season from Burnes would set him up to top that valuation on the open market. 2024 salary: $15.6 million. Extension projection: Eight years, $260 million."

Boston could afford a deal like that and certainly should.

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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu