The superstar is one of the best hitters in baseball, and just turned 26 years old. His new deal is expected to be in the $600 million range. So, can the Sox snag the biggest free-agent fish of them all?

Skepticism — if not outright apathy — has run rampant among Red Sox fans over the last few winters. After all, Boston has only punched its ticket to October once over the last six seasons. But the Red Sox’ relative inaction during the offseason in ...