When presented with an opportunity, Red Sox team president and CEO Sam Kennedy didn’t shy away throwing shade at the rival Yankees.
Kennedy was a guest on “The Greg Hill Show” on Thursday, and was asked about Boston’s timid presence at the trade deadline — as opposed to the “active” Yankees, who secured deals for Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo.
“They had to be active because I think they are 3-10 against us, Greg,” Kennedy said, to which Hill and Co. shared a quick laugh.
At the July 30 deadline, the Red Sox dealt for a pair of relief pitchers in Austin Davis and Hansel Robles from the Pirates and Twins, respectively. They also acquired All-Star outfielder Kyle Schwarber the day before the deadline from the Nationals.
Kennedy disputed the notion that Boston was stagnant in its approach to free agency.
“I disagree with the premise that we’re standing pat. When you’re adding Kyle Schwarber and you’re bringing in two pieces in the bullpens, right-handed and left-handed — I just disagree with the premise that we’re standing pat,” he explained, before complimenting Boston’s front office and skipper Alex Cora.
“You never count out the Yankees,” Kennedy said. “They are always going to try and improve. They do a great job, obviously. We feel we did what was right for us, and they did what was right for them. We’ll see how the next 50-plus games go. It should be fun.”
When it came down to acquiring Schwarber, along with his powerful bat, the Red Sox valued his character and clubhouse presence.
“From all of our work, intel, and research, he is an incredible force in that clubhouse,” Kennedy said. “The positivity, leadership, setting the right example. We’re really excited to add a caliber of person, someone who has that positivity and is a World Series champion to this club.”
While Boston’s deadline deals were met with mixed reviews, Kennedy believes the team got better.
“We think we improved … there’s a ton of confidence in this team from ownership on the way down,” he said. “We are absolutely going for it, trying to get into the postseason and then see where it gets us.”
The Red Sox will face the Yankees six more times this season, with their next matchup on Aug. 17 in The Bronx.