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Boston Red Sox: Let’s just call it what it is – a salary dump

By Manny Gómez

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 15: Red Sox Owner John Henry looks on during a press conference addressing the departure of Alex Cora as manager of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on January 15, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. A MLB investigation concluded that Cora was involved in the Houston Astros sign stealing operation in 2017 while he was the bench coach. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 15: Red Sox Owner John Henry looks on during a press conference addressing the departure of Alex Cora as manager of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on January 15, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. A MLB investigation concluded that Cora was involved in the Houston Astros sign stealing operation in 2017 while he was the bench coach. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Red Sox traded Mookie Betts away for the second time this offseason under the guise of “smart strategy,” but we all know what it really is: a salary dump.

Just one season removed from the organization’s 9th World Series title, 4th since 2004, the Boston Red Sox have decided it’s time to rebuild. This in spite of the fact that the team is pretty identical to that of the one fielded in 2018; one that scored more runs in 2019 than they did the year prior.

The only explanation one can make for trading Mookie Betts away (twice) is to dump salary. How else can any logical human being interpret the move?

This is a player that is ranked 15th in the organization’s history in fWAR (37.2). That’s less than 10 wins away from some of the franchise’s most celebrated players. Guys like…

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And under 12 wins away from the one and only David Ortiz (aka “Big Papi”).

He’s also the one they had to give a record-breaking $27M to avoid arbitration. Maybe that’s the real reason why.

What’s more, they also decide to let go of David Price, all the while eating half of the $96M left on his deal. This, the same Price that started to turn things around in 2018.

The one that shut down the Houston Astros in game 5 of the 2018 ALCS, tossing 6-innings while allowing just 3 hits and striking out 9. He then wins game 2 of the 2018 World Series, pitching 6 IP while allowing just 2 runs and 3 hits.

This was followed by a stellar relief appearance and then another incredible start. This time, it’s game 5 of the 2018 World Series and price goes 7 IP, allowing 1 run and striking out 5.

So, I ask again, why start the rebuild now?

All reports indicate that Chris Sale is healthy, you’re bringing back a surging Rafael Devers, an elite Xander Bogaerts, JD Martinez, Andrew Benintendi, and the rest of the crew.

The answer is simple: it’s a salary dump.

That’s right, the Boston Red Sox have relegated Mookie Betts to a salary dump.

When was the last time you can remember an elite player being traded away by a big market team in an effort to save money?

Fans of the team will explain this away as “smart strategy” on behalf of Chaim Bloom and the Red Sox front office to reset the Luxury Tax bill.

Before the deal, I would’ve argued that if your best pitcher is set to return and your offense remains potent, the Red Sox were still good enough to compete for another title.

Benintendi avoids arbitration, signs 2-yr deal. light. More

Now I’m wondering why they don’t just shop Sale and Martinez around too and make it official?

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