Could the Boston Red Sox’s terrible 2020 be a blessing in disguise?
The Boston Red Sox are just two years removed from defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, four games to one. The Red Sox front office truly showed their hand during the 2020 offseason. The trades of Mookie Betts and David Price to the Dodgers was indication that Boston were ready to shed the duo’s massive contracts while giving up the chance to contend for the American League East crown.
The AL East arms race in which Boston found themselves in with the New York Yankees over the last decade caught up with them. Trading Betts and Price removed $59 million off of Boston’s wage bill in base salary for 2020 alone. The Red Sox trade may have given up any chance at the playoffs (or being an even passably watchable team), but they are saving money, which could come in handy in the coming seasons. Baseball fans are anticipating the 2020 expanded Major League Baseball playoffs. Fans can visit bet-colorado.com to get the latest information on sports betting and find the best websites to wager with.
Boston’s 2020 season has been ugly to say the least. But the trade of Betts and Price may turn out to be a positive for the baseball club. Some fans may disagree, but Boston’s 2020 season and potential AL East last place finish may not be so bad come next year – or the next.
Along with the trade of Betts and Price, Boston went into the 2020 season without manager Alex Cora. Following his implication in the sign stealing scandal of 2019, Cora was dismissed from the team. The manager was sacked in January, just weeks before spring training began. Losing two key players is a setback, but firing such a strong manager is another nail in the coffin of a potentially poor season.
Then, Major League Baseball was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic which put the season on hold until July. What resulted as fans know, is a 60-game season with an expanded 16-team playoff format. The 2020 season will turn out to be one that everyone wants to forget.
According to baseball owners, they are losing billions of dollars due to the current sports climate due to paying operating costs with no fans – or on a few fans – able to attend games. Moving Betts and Price to the Dodgers should be seen – now – as a great trade by the Red Sox. They got rid of the large contracts both players were on saving themselves cash for the future.
Boston’s decision to trade both players may go a bit deeper than just a simple salary dump. Red Sox owners Fenway Sports Group also own English Premier League football club Liverpool. The soccer team has seen some of its most success in decades over the last three years. Liverpool finished as 2018 runners-up in the Champions League before winning the biggest club soccer tournament in the world in 2019. In 2020, Liverpool ended their 30-year drought in English soccer and won England’s domestic top-flight league.
In spite of the success, FSG has decided against investing into new players to strengthen the team. Rather, they are trying to bring through youngsters and tie down current stars to long-term contracts. It isn’t too dissimilar to the way FSG is running the Red Sox.
Boston’s decision to be sellers rather than buyers at the start of the campaign could pay dividends. It isn’t pretty now, but could be down the line.
