Sure. However, Sox went over the luxury tax without even paying Betts or Xander and instead paid a worse player in Trevor Story a decent sum of money. Then they followed this up by having a s***** season and not selling at the deadline.
Additionally, If they wanted to avoid losing picks, why not sell players like Nate, JD, and even Xander If you know you aren’t re-signing them? Even if the return isn’t great, it’s better than getting nothing for a player you plan on losing anyway.
The trade deadline was frustrating and sent mixed signals, and this off season has been more of the same. The Red Sox are currently projected the 16th highest pay roll and an extension to Devers seems less and less likely.
Following this all up with Bloom and Henry making stupid comments about “doing everything they can” to keep Xander ans “building a championship contender” is also all ******** and is extremely annoying to hear as a fan as well