The Red Sox offered reliever Mariano Rivera a two-year, $30 million deal and were prepared to non-tender closer Jonathan Papelbon, according to a baseball source with direct knowledge of the negotiations.It appears Boston might have been in this to do more than just bring up the price for the Yanks. You can't really blame them. Who wouldn't want Mo closing games for their team?
Rivera turned down the Red Sox to return to the Yankees, who offered the same money as Boston. Rivera’s pending agreement with the Yankees was first reported by the New York Daily News.
The Red Sox on Thursday night tendered a contract to Papelbon, who was paid $9.35 million last season and is arbitration-eligible, which will drive his salary into eight figures. Papelbon is a year away from free agency.
But you have to wonder, what does Papelbon think about all of this? I'm sure he's not too pleased.