Angels Reportedly Discussing Possible Deal With Rumored Red Sox Target In Free Agency

It sounds like one of the Red Sox's rumored targets could end up signing elsewhere

The Boston Red Sox are looking to improve their starting rotation but one of the top options could be off the market in the not-so-distant future.

Boston needs to add multiple starters this offseason. The Red Sox need a frontline starter as well as a No. 3 or No. 4 hurler to shore up the rotation after a disappointing 2023 season. 

The Red Sox have made it known that their top target in free agency is Orix Buffaloes ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The 25-year-old star would be a massive pickup, but the Red Sox have a lot of competition for his services including the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and New York Yankees.

There still are some solid options available in free agency if the Red Sox were to miss out on Yamamoto, though. One player who has been linked to the Red Sox is two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.

Snell likely won't sign until after Yamamoto does, but it sounds like the Red Sox would have plenty of competition for him as well if they miss out. One team that reportedly has held discussions with the 31-year-old is the Los Angeles Angels, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

"Source: The Angels have had recent dialogue with Blake Snell, the reigning (National League) Cy Young Award winner," Morosi said. "Of note: Since the Angels aren't viewed as a strong candidate to sign Yamamoto, they don't need to wait on Yamamoto's choice to act in the pitching market."

It's unclear how much interest there is on the two sides, but it is interesting that has been reportedly dialogue. At this point, the Red Sox likely are holding off until Yamamoto makes a decision. 

If they wait too long, though, they may end up missing out on some of the other top options available.

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