Red Sox Will Extend A-Gon "For Sure"

[Elite]

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino confirmed on WEEI's the Dennis & Callahan Show what most of the team’s fans have been assuming since December. The Red Sox will extend Adrian Gonzalez before he hits free agency after the season.

"We're not going to let him get away," Lucchino said. "We're going to get him signed for sure."

Red Sox GM Theo Epstein says there's "no timetable" for talks between the team and its new first baseman, but it would be a surprise if the sides don't agree to a long-term deal by April. The Red Sox avoid a luxury tax hit if they wait until the season begins, so they may be inclined to finalize the deal in April, as they did with Josh Beckett last year. Though Gonzalez has denied that he has an agreement with the Red Sox, the sides have been working toward a long-term deal since December.

Kirk Minihane has the transcript of Lucchino's comments and the audio's here.

MLBTR

The Sox better hope this guy signs the extension because they gave up some nice prospects for him, even though the trade was a steal.

 

[bosoxlover12]

He might sign before Free Agency, but I do not see there being a deal until midseason.

Gonzo is still rehabbing, and if he doesnt perform well, the Sox can just go out for Pujols, and they would be able to with ease.

But if Gonzo does very well, they'll lock him up at the All Star break

 

[Phil The Thrill]

I honestly do not see us going for Pujols.

 

[The Guid]

AGon has been the guy they've wanted for a long time. They gave up the prospects to get him and, barring something crazy, they'll sign him.

Pujols is a pipe dream

 

[Barcode]

It's been kicked around that a deal will be completed soon after opening day due to the tax purposes for payroll and that Gonzalez is healthy.