Actions Will Speak Louder Than Words In Pivotal Offseason For Bloom

Bloom Address The Media

Red Sox president Chaim Bloom held an end-of-season press conference in early October, discussing the team’s disappointing 2022 campaign and giving some insight into what the future holds for the organization. (Video Below)

The next few months will likely determine the executive’s fate and the organization’s overall future going forward. 

Desire For Bogaerts & Devers Long-Term Deals

The first and most important order of business for Bloom this offseason is to get a deal done with Xander Bogaerts.

Bloom said on Thursday, “Yeah, I mean look, that’s no different from where we’ve been; our position hasn’t changed on that,” He continued. “I know, and I’ve said this before, nothing I say really matters unless there’s a deal. But our position has been the same, we want to keep him here for a long time, and we want him here on a deal that we’re going to look back on and say this is great for everybody.

He also expressed a similar desire to keep star third baseman Rafael Devers in the fold. Bloom said, “He’s (Rafael Devers) a guy that we want to build around. And he’s hugely important to what we’re doing. We hope he’s here not just next year but in the years to come. I think we’re in a position now; we expect and fully intend to be able to put a really good team on the field that can win next year.”

What’s Taken So Long?

From an outsider’s perspective, it seems they really need to reach a deal with Bogaerts before the start of free agency. If they fail to come to an agreement, the risk of losing him will rise exponentially as we know someone like Dave Dombrowski (now president of the Phillies) isn’t afraid to make an offer he can’t refuse. 

But many fans, including myself, believe it should never have gotten to this point with Bogaerts. In the past, the All-Star shortstop has stressed how much he wants to stay in Boston. And the lack of a long-term deal and the willingness to make a serious offer has been puzzling. 

When the Sox traded Mookie Betts, there was a belief that players such as Bogaerts and Devers would already be signed long-term. The fact that this isn’t the case two years later is beyond frustrating for many. It makes you question what’s going on behind the scenes. 

Actions Will Speak Louder Than Words This Offseason

Ultimately, it all comes down to Chaim Bloom’s actions this offseason. He’s said repeatedly that he wants Bogaerts & Devers here for a long time. But it doesn’t mean anything until the pen hits paper. It’s been all talk and no action up to this point, and time is finally about to run out.

But re-signing those two players should be the minimum in the offseason; the Red Sox need to fill holes if they plan to contend next season. From the starting rotation, bullpen, outfield, DH, and overall depth of the team going into 2023.

It’s time for the Red Sox to stop being passive and start putting a product on the field the fans want to invest in. There were times this season when it was flat-out embarrassing to watch this group, and blooper reels became common. Yes, the team dealt with health issues, but there were clear holes that Bloom ultimately failed to address.

They will finally have the resources with money and a prospect pool to make deals. The 2022-2023 offseason needs to be where Chaim Bloom is the aggressor.  No more sitting back on the sidelines; it’s time to make your move.