If you're expecting the Boston Red Sox to spend big money on high-profile free agents this offseason, the latest report won't exactly inspire you.
The Red Sox met with Jose Abreu "as soon as free agency opened" and considered the veteran slugger their "No. 1 outside target," MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported Tuesday.
That's not ideal considering Abreu agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract with the Houston Astros on Monday, per multiple reports.
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While Abreu will turn 36 in January, he would have been a good fit for a Red Sox team in need of both a right-handed-hitting first baseman to mentor young prospect Triston Casas and a power-hitting designated hitter to replace J.D. Martinez.
Abreu, who batted .304 last season and amassed 30 home runs and 117 RBIs in 2021, would have filled both of those needs while providing veteran leadership that Boston could be lacking if Xander Bogaerts signs elsewhere in free agency.
It appears the Red Sox weren't willing to pay Abreu $60 million over three years, however, and it's worth wondering whether Chaim Bloom will spend significantly on any free agent this offseason after letting his apparent No. 1 target get away.