The Boston Red Sox have done little to inspire real hope in major reinforcements coming to the roster. But they’re still being mentioned among a small group of teams in the running for one of the top starting pitchers available.

Japanese righty Kodai Senga has about 6-8 teams interested in him on the free-agent market, including the Red Sox, according to multiple reports out of the 2022 Winter Meetings. Jon Morosi named the Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Angels as teams with “interest” (of course) in Senga. Jon Heyman also named the Red Sox and added the Mets, Giants, Cubs, Padres, and Rangers.

Senga offers a mid-to-upper-90s fastball and dominant splitter to lead his arsenal, adding a two-seam fastball and curve. But the problem the Red Sox may have is that Senga wants to sign with a team that’s ready to win now. That would give the Mets (101-61 in 2022) and Blue Jays (92-70) the strongest cases, meaning Boston would almost certainly have to outbid them. How likely is that to happen?

In addition to Senga, outfielder Masataka Yoshida is headed to the major leagues in 2023. Jeff Passan reported Tuesday that Yoshida has “posted” to become a free agent and now has 30 days to sign with a team. Yoshida has been linked to the Red Sox as a possibility in reports as far back as Halloween – in Japan.

You can make a case that the Red Sox need a player like Yoshida even more than Senga. He batted .336 with 21 home runs, to go with impressive on-base/slugging rates at .449/.559, in 121 games with the Orix Buffaloes. And he struck out only 42 times in that span, as well. He should be a plug-and-play starter for his bat alone, wherever he signs – but he’d especially help the Red Sox, who need left-handed power and in the outfield to boot.

Read below for more updates from the 2022 Winter Meetings as it relates to the Red Sox on the hot stove…

Bogaerts To Get Big Bucks

BOSTON, MA – MAY 8: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the Boston Red Sox tosses his helmet after striking out against the Chicago White Sox during the eighth inning at Fenway Park on May 8, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. Teams across the league are wearing pink today in honor of Mothers Day. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

Xander Bogaerts remains on the open market as one of the best all-around position players available. Red Sox management has indicated that re-signing Bogaerts is a priority for them, if not the top one. But it’s hard to believe that until they actually do that.

Meanwhile, Marino Pepén has reported the Chicago Cubs as a “threat” to sign Bogaerts away from Boston, and the San Diego Padres have reportedly been in contact with him. The Dodgers are still lurking without a big signing of their own.

On top of the suitors that still remain, Buster Olney believes that Bogaerts will fetch a deal in the range of $180-200 million. That indicates he’s probably looking at a contract for 6-8 years. Again … do the Red Sox seem like they’re ready to commit that kind of money to anyone?

Red Sox Outbid By Yankees For Kahnle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 17: Tommy Kahnle #48 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

In what has become more of the norm in the 2022 Red Sox off-season, they’ve lost out on another potential free-agent signing. The latest is reliever Tommy Kahnle, who is returning to the Yankees for a two-year deal worth $11.5 million. According to Jon Heyman, that deal was enough to outbid the Red Sox.

Kahnle returned from Tommy John surgery in 2022 with the Dodgers, but he’d pitched the previous four seasons with the Yankees, so it makes sense that he’d want to return for a second stint over signing with Boston.

“Arson Judge” “Signs” With “New Team”

Sep 8, 2019; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Poor Giants fans. They had a moment of temporary bliss Tuesday, when Jon Heyman reported that he “appears headed to” the San Francisco Giants. Unfortunately for Heyman, he quickly had to walk back that report – and to add insult to injury for the veteran reporter, his original tweet read “Arson Judge.”

Heyman deleted the original tweet (here’s a screenshot) and later said: “Giants say they have not heard on Aaron Judge, My apologies for jumping the gun.” It’s an instant classic case of a Twitter mishap. The only way Heyman will save face is if Judge signs with the Giants, after all. And if he doesn’t – hell, even if he does – this is a moment Heyman will never hear the end of with fans.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

The Baseball Hour | Mazz on the Red Sox’ Off-Season

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