Red Sox Fans React To Heated Free Agency Debate Before MLB Winter Meetings

Red Sox fans are mixed on what direction the club should go in heading into the MLB winter meetings.

Teams arrive in Dallas on Sunday before the MLB winter meetings officially start Monday. All eyes are on Juan Soto, who is expected to make his decision either this weekend or next week. Boston is among five teams vying for his services, but it also has other needs to address.

NESN.com examined the two scenarios for fans to ponder: sign Soto or two high-caliber starting pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. It’s an interesting situation, and it’s one readers have plenty to say about. Let’s look at what they had to say about which direction they want the Red Sox to go in.

“Pitching should be their major goal. If not Soto, they have young outfield prospects that are ready to become major leaguers (Anthony is one). Spend money wisely and think long term.” — PatsFan

“PITCHING,PITCHING,& MORE PITCHING” — Westport

“Friend and Burnes? Yes please.” — PJL

Some fans wanted to have their cake and eat it, too, but for this exercise, we wanted to look at one or the other. The debate continued on Facebook.

“IF, i were trying to WIN a championship…i’d go after PITCHING. Good pitching stops good hitting. WHY, pay $700 million on a guy who isn’t great defensively and might hit 15 more HR’s than another good OF who will cost alot less. BOS has ALWAYS been able to produce hitters, but have hardly ever produced good pitchers.” — Graeme Harding

“Sign Soto it’s a no brainer. They can get 2 mediocre pitchers building around the bullpen with offense, But when the Guys are on the field we gutta play Good defense, Great defense, With great hitting could be contenders but obviously we do need pitching depth But We can work around if we had 2 decent arms, when I say Decent Middle Class Pitching and see how it works out if you can make a few moves in season before deadline …!” — Markie Miz

Red Sox fans acknowledged signing Soto would be great. However, many supporters also acknowledged how important starting pitching is in MLB. “Two is better than one” some might say, and the pitching arms could benefit Boston more.

Reality always could change opinions, and fans will have to wait and see what Soto decides for his future.