If middle reliever/set up types now command in excess of $11mill AAV and closers get a $20mill AAV, the Sox are going to have to be extremely prudent with their signings or they’re going to need a much, much bigger budget.
On the bright side, those who have been pushing for $145mill Chris Sale to go to the pen only to be met with “a $25mill closer?!?” are on the brink of seeing THAT argument disappear in a puff of negotiations and reality…