MLB Rumors: Red Sox In "Heavy Talks" For Free Agent Starter

As the No. 2 pitcher still on the market in free agency, Japanese sensation Kodai Senga has a number of serious suitors. But according to the latest news from the Hot Stove, perhaps no team is stepping up as seriously as the Boston Red Sox. 

The Senga camp is listening intently due to the Red Sox' rumored willingness to go above and beyond on term.

Red Sox are in “heavy discussions” with Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga, per @hgomez27

Sox are willing to go 7 years in order to sign him

pic.twitter.com/3IlSOSaQJy

— Jake “Iggy” Ignaszewski (@JakeIggy) December 10, 2022

According to a report, the Sox are prepared to go to seven years on a contract for Senga, which, just like rival execs said they did with Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida, could wind up as a "hefty overpay." 

As we entered the free agency period, Senga was predicted by experts to win a 4-or-5 year deal worth $75-$80M. With a 7-year deal, that would no doubt take the package well past the $100M mark. 

If they do pull that off, it leads to an interesting observation. 

If the Red Sox sign Kodai Senga that means their two biggest additions have played a combined zero innings of Major League Baseball.

— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) December 10, 2022

Yes, it would mean that Boston's two biggest signings of the offseason would be for players that have never played an inning in the big leagues. 

Certainly, owner John Henry has to do something to keep from losing the fanbase after the Bogaerts disaster of the past year. 

 Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports