From Red Sox Stats
The Red Sox went into last season ranked 6th with 48.0 projected WAR on their roster. After the Eovaldi signing they currently rank 1st with 50.7 projected WAR for next year.
Many people keep saying that Eovaldi earned his contract based on a few games in the postseason. Not true at all. He was solid in 2018, particularly after coming to Boston.
MLB hitters peak at about 27 or 28 years of age. The decline starts after age 28. At about the age of 32, the decline becomes steep. Look at just about any aging curve for offensive metrics.
Now I understand that there are exceptions and that some players are going to continue to play well into their mid 30s. Those are the exceptions though, not the norm. Mookie might be one of the exceptions. Then again, he might not be.
I have always thought of ARod as a guy who is very lonely, or insecure, or lacks self confidence, or something along those lines, despite his talent, fame, and wealth.
If you don't think you can keep him or you aren't willing to pay him an outrageous contract, it makes sense to trade him and at least get something in return.
Cashman, like Theo, does a very good job when given the autonomy to do so. As a Red Sox fan, I'm really hoping Hal or Levine or someone overrules Cashman.