Ever since Boston Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy and President Craig Breslow were showered with boos at the team’s Winter Wonderland event, things have been tense in Beantown. Fans are angry at the apparent lack of investment in the on-field product. But with Blake Snell still available on the market, there’s an unlikely but possible scenario that could put the BoSox back on the map.

The story is as old as time: ownership wants to be financially responsible and grow slowly, while fans want to see immediate progress. It’s doubly intense on a team like the Red Sox, one of the biggest in MLB, yet the battle between the fans and management could end instantly if the Sox play their cards right regarding Snell.

Blake Snell: An unlikely solution to the Boston issue

In the said Winter Wonderland event, the ownership made it clear in a way that the Red Sox could have a payroll that’s lower than 2023. While that sent shockwaves across the fanbase, fans knew that something like this was bound to happen due to more focus on the farm system. The issue? It’s quite painful in the short term. This is where Blake Snell comes into play.

Bosox Injection recently speculated how the Sox may have a clear path for Snell. The market for the Cy Young winner has been rather silent. With most teams not ready to meet Snell’s demand for a 9-year, $270 million contract, the ace is currently going through a barren market. Something that can benefit the Red Sox.

The primary issue with Snell’s contract isn’t its price; it’s the length that scares suitors. Giving a 9-year contract to a 31-year-old with an injury record isn’t attractive to most. But what if Scott Boras and Snell agree to reduce the number of years in the contract? The Sox can pounce on that opportunity if it wants to.

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The team’s payroll currently stands at $180 million; even a $30 million salary only brings that up to $210 million, still below the $237 million tax threshold. The Red Sox have the money, and certainly have the brand; what it is lacking is the will. Will the Red Sox find it?

Why does the Boston Red Sox need a superstar?

Sometimes perception also plays a huge role for a team. Currently, the Red Sox is heavily uncompetitive; the team has finished last twice in the AL East. Teoscar Hernandez famously chose the Dodgers over the Red Sox because the former has a chance of winning every year. That’s not something that the Red Sox should lose out on.

Read more: MLB Rumors: Teams Not Knocking, But Blake Snell Firm Against Short Term Contracts

After all, the Red Sox has won four World Series in the 2000s—the most by any team. The team is a winner, but its recent conduct might hurt that image. Signing Snell could show ambition and change the perception a little, and that goes a long way in attracting talent.