This weekend we discovered that the chase for free agent Roy Oswalt has likely come down to a pair of clubs; the Cardinals and Red Sox. Other teams that had been tied to Oswalt this offseason, the Rangers, Phillies and Reds, have slowly dropped behind the frontrunners for one reason or another. Yesterday we heard reports on the Red Sox pursuit of Oswalt and an update on the team that’s reportedly the veteran’s top choice.
Ever since Oswalt made it clear that he’d be willing to ink a one-year contract this offseason, the Red Sox have been tied to the right-hander. Boston appears to have a need in the rotation department and Oswalt is the best available starter remaining on the market. Still, Oswalt-to-Boston is no sure thing.
Oswalt himself would rather pitch closer to his Mississippi home, and according to Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe, the 34-year-old remains reluctant to pitch in Boston. The Red Sox have been budget conscious this offseason, and Carfado reports that the club has extended a one-year deal in the $5-7 million range to Oswalt.
If we go by what’s been reported, this number isn’t enough to satisfy Oswalt, who’s said to be seeking a $10 million contract. While this asking price should be coming down with the approach of Spring Training, the Red Sox may have to sweeten the pot a bit to entice Oswalt to call Fenway home. While the Cardinals appear to be the current favorite to land Oswalt, Carfado added that the veteran hasn’t ruled out the Red Sox.
Meanwhile, the other club that was perceived as a frontrunner for Oswalt has recently backed out of the race. Based on reports, we listed the Rangers as unlikely suitors for Oswalt earlier this month. Now, after Texas agreed to a contract with catcher Mike Napoli, general manager Jon Daniels has said that the Rangers are over budget and will not likely add any other free agents this offseason.
This reinforces the news that Oswalt’s decision may come down to the Red Sox and Cardinals. St. Louis has an offer on the table for Oswalt, but they are waiting for him to accept a deal on their terms.
While Boston and St. Louis appear to be the current frontrunners, I don’t think it would surprise anyone if another club jumped into the mix with a starter such as Oswalt remaining unsigned this close to Spring Training.
For more on the Red Sox and Rangers, be sure to check out BoSox Injection and Nolan Writin’.
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