Remember last summer when the expectations were Grandal, one of Castellanos/Ozuna, and one of Wheeler/Bumgarner because the Sox were going to spend big?
Considering the fact that they tried to sign Wheeler, I don’t see how Hahn can use this ridiculous excuse unless the Sox really think their fans are gullible morons.
How likely do you think the Sox are to get into a bidding war on the remaining two best starters available with multiple teams, who also happen to both be Boras clients?
Money, the same reason everyone else signs. The Sox just have to offer more than other teams, which they should be able to with such a low payroll and not spending for the past few years. This isn’t difficult.
There would be a lot less pressure or frustration if the Sox would make a move already for their higher tier SP target. The secondary flier SP isn’t as time-sensitive since there are plenty available.
The worst thing IMO is that our best two remaining options (Ryu and Keuchel) are both Boras clients. This may finally end the age old question on whether or not the Sox will negotiate with Boras.