Red Sox Reportedly Sign Rising Star To Long-Term Extension
The Boston Red Sox reportedly made a notable investment toward building a sustainable future, locking up one of their brightest young stars before he maximizes his value.
The Red Sox took a step in following along the footsteps of the Atlanta Braves, who managed to sign their young core for the long haul to discount deals years before they ever reached free agency.
"Right-hander Brayan Bello and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a six-year, $55 million contract extension that includes a seventh-year club option for $21 million," ESPN's Kiley McDaniel reported Thursday.
Bello posted a 4.24 ERA with a 132-to-45 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .270 batting average against and a 1.34 WHIP in 157 innings pitched across 28 games last season.
The 24-year-old's extension kicks in this season, meaning he'll signed through 2029 with a club option that could keep him in-house through 2030.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has not done much to improve the outlook for the upcoming season but this move was a notable one for the future -- which is where both Breslow and ownership appear to be focused on.
The next step would be to extend first baseman Triston Casas -- though according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam, nothing is close with the slugger.
Breslow has been taking a lot of heat this offseason -- mostly as a scapegoat for ownership -- but deserves plenty of praise for getting this deal done.
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