Red Sox Seen As Front-Runners To Sign Significant Free Agent According To Insider

Boston is running out of time to improve its starting rotation

The Boston Red Sox's fortunes may change soon.

Boston has made a few solid additions to the roster but still is expected by many to finish at the bottom of the American League East standings. The Red Sox still need more help in the starting rotation. 

Although the perception around the club has been sour, things could change shortly. Boston has been linked to free agent starter Jordan Montgomery on multiple occasions and even recently met with him about a possible deal.

Nothing has been agreed to at this point, but the Red Sox are seen as the "front-runner" to sign the big lefty, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden.

"From what I'm hearing in conversations with major-league sources, it doesn't sound like Montgomery will accept a pillow contract like the one (Cody Bellinger) signed," Bowden said. "I'm told there are multiple teams that would give Montgomery a longer-term contract.

"The Red Sox had a video call with Montgomery recently and I'm told the conversation went well. The Red Sox have plenty of financial flexibility and at this point must be considered the front-runner to land him." 

If the Red Sox were to sign Montgomery, things could start to look a little different. Boston's rotation would be in a significantly better place and be much more stable. The Red Sox's offense shouldn't be a problem and the bullpen is in a good place. 

A starting rotation featuring Montgomery, Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, and either Kutter Crawford or Tanner Houck could give the club a chance to win a lot of games.

Boston has plenty of money to spend and Montgomery still is available and it's clear there is mutual interest. Hopefully, the club can get a deal done.

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