The MLB offseason is about to end! While some teams are still making bold moves, the Boston Red Sox seem to be stuck in neutral. The team has always taken an analyzed approach to roster establishment. But currently, they are facing the heat as vital players slip through their grasp. The latest blow? The most infamous dealmaker in baseball, Scott Boras, is reportedly peddling his $200 million client to teams that move more quickly, like the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.

A slow pace could be costly for a team, like the Red Sox, who urgently need to fill lineup requirements. In the meantime, the Cubs’ aggressive approach has placed them in a powerful position to attract elite players and tip the National League’s power dynamics. And with every passing day, the Red Sox risk being left behind in the competitive offseason scramble.

The Red Sox’s slow moves and the cost of inaction

The Boston Red Sox’s offseason lack is beginning to display. While rival teams are going desperate to build a winning team, Boston is still cautious. Now, the $200 million star Alex Bregman seems to be under casual consideration. As per Boston, Breggy could not be attracting huge attention. But he is a two-time All-Star with a career batting average of.277 and 140 home runs. And as per reports, Red Sox’s inactivity has made Scott Boras, his agent, discuss Bregman with the Cubs. “The Cubs are not interested in a long-period deal. However, a vital deal could look like a 3-year deal with opt-outs after each of the first two seasons”, according to Cubs Zone’s post. 

This highlights decisiveness, and it seems that the Red Sox have yet to display that approach. Boston’s sluggish pace has been criticized previously, too; Nathan Eovaldi, a pitcher who clearly wanted to stay, was not signed by the club. The Red Sox delayed their feet despite his need to bargain, which enabled Texas to make a quick offer. Eovaldi later became a vital individual at the Rangers. So, it’s now like a warning to Boston. They should know by now what inactivity can cost them! 

Cubs’ analyzed approach and Boras’ NL Central play

Engaging with Scott Boras, the mastermind behind multiple blockbuster deals, is a strategic move by the Chicago Cubs. Boras negotiated Bryce Harper’s 13-year, $330M deal with the Phillies and Gerrit Cole’s 9-year, $324M record-breaking contract with the Yankees. By focusing on short-period and high-value contracts with opt-outs, like the proposed 3-year deal, the Cubs have tailored their approach to link with Boras and Bregman’s market-savvy needs. It displays the team’s capability to attract top-tier talent while managing roster flexibility.

Stars like Dansby Swanson, who hit 22 home runs in 2023, and Cody Bellinger, who rebounded with 27 home runs and 88 RBIs last season, already provide a strong offensive core for the Cubs. Adding Bregman’s consistent production, including his ability to create runs, 734 career runs created, and high-value WAR contributions, would complement these anchors perfectly. His experience, versatility, and postseason pedigree would make the Cubs’ lineup more balanced and competitive, positioning them as a serious contender in the NL Central.

The Red Sox and Cubs are taking 2 distinct paths this offseason: caution vs. analyzed boldness. For Boston, the issue is not just catching up but redefining their approach to stay competitive. However, the Cubs’ proactive approach places the team as a serious contender in the NL Central. Can the Red Sox adapt, or will the vital moves of the Cubs shape the market? Share your thoughts.