Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz could face discipline from Major League Baseball after the 40-year-old told reporters that Toronto Blue Jays slugger Edwin Encarnacion would make a good replacement after he retires.
Ortiz didn’t stop there as he also mentioned the Red Sox would be wise to acquire Miami ace Jose Fernandez.
The problem? Both Encarnacion and Fernandez are under contract and players — even soon-to-be retired ones like Ortiz— are not allowed to speak of others in that regard.
“The Red Sox know that they need to reinforce the middle of the lineup,” Ortiz told reporters after Tuesday’s All-Star Game. “And, sorry Blue Jays, but who better than Encarnacion to do that?”
Encarnacion will be a free agent after the end of the season.
Ortiz also admired Fernandez for his incredible array of pitches.
“I thought he was gonna end up playing with me this year. I mean, you never know,” Ortiz said. “I want him in my starting rotation. I mean, we need a little bit of help and hopefully that happens at some point, who knows?”
According to the rulebook in Major League Baseball, Ortiz’s comments could be construed as tampering. Here is the rule:
“There shall be no negotiations or dealings respecting employment, either present or prospective, between any player, coach or manager … unless the Club or baseball employer with which the person is connected shall have, in writing, expressly authorized such negotiations or dealings prior to their commencement.”
Sportsnet 590’s Jeff Blair noted that Major League Baseball is expected to look into his comments.