The Red Sox had a tumultuous offseason, losing franchise cornerstone Xander Bogaerts while the team continues to transition into a new era. However, coming off a last-place showing in 2022 and now without a fan favorite, Boston’s ownership is facing criticism over its approach to the team.
For the first time since losing Bogaerts in free agency to the Padres, Red Sox owner John Henry addressed that and much more with The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, arguing that a lot of the narratives currently surrounding the team have been exaggerated. That includes when Henry was booed at the recent NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park, but Henry doesn’t think it was as big of a deal as was reported.
“There is a false narrative surrounding the club,” Henry told McCaffrey by email. “It really took hold in 2022. There were even false reports of booing at Fenway Park during the Winter Classic. I think those factors and losing Xander to San Diego were the biggest factors. Those are the fans you would believe are the least likely to try to shout us down, but it happened. Did anyone report the standing ovation at the end?”
Over the offseason, Boston did retain third baseman Rafael Devers on a 10-year, $313.5 million contract, the biggest pact in team history. However, the Red Sox still don’t match up with the biggest spenders of the offseason, such as the Mets, Yankees, Padres and Phillies.
However, Henry is proud that Boston has won four World Series championships since 2004. Additionally, Henry mentioned that all those teams have dealt with rebuilding stretches. Even so, it apparently doesn’t guarantee Boston will raise its payroll significantly anytime soon.
“They have all had down years or periods and we had a disappointing 2022 after a strong 2021. Again, I think there is a narrative at work that doesn’t match up well with the facts,” Henry said. “However, if you are asking if we are going to now move to $300 million payrolls, the answer is no.”
Henry acknowledged the AL East is so tough that the Red Sox have to clear a high bar just to avoid another last-place finish. He also said he still appreciates the fans and believes Boston fans are what makes his job worth it.
“Someone early on asked me why I came to Boston to own the Sox,” Henry said. “I replied that I wanted to work and live somewhere that every morning I rose what I did would matter. We have had a great experience and fans have been great.”
