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Former Red Sox Legend Announces $10,000 Wager on Team's Success

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By TJ French | Last updated Feb 17, 2025 12:30 PM ET

A strong buzz is growing amongst the Boston Red Sox faithful as the team looks to have improved greatly from last season, or at least on paper. They have made notable big splashes this offseason, which addressed their biggest needs, and most recently acquired third-baseman Alex Bregman to help solidify the lineup.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches the futures betting market is heating up. According to BetMGM, the Red Sox current win total sits at 86.5. Former Red Sox pitcher and six-time All-Star Jonathan Papelbon revealed which side of that win total he is taking.

In a reply on X, formerly Twitter, Papelbon claims he will be putting $10k on the Red Sox to meet their betting mark and win 87 games.

Vegas has Red Sox wins at 86.5 and I will be putting 10k on that over!! Who is with me? #FreeMoney https://t.co/ufwPlpi5Ge
— Jonathan Papelbon (@TheRealJPap58) February 17, 2025

Papelbon works for NESN now as an analyst, so no surprise that he is riding with Boston to have a successful season after a very successful offseason. However, it is still a bold claim considering how loaded the American League East is, and Boston's slight lack of success over the past few seasons.

Papelbon was uberly successful during his time with the Red Sox and is dubbed as one of the historic franchise's best relievers. Over seven seasons with Boston, he posted a 2.33 ERA over 429.1 innings and struck out 509 batters.

The claims made by Papelbon, which he says is "free money", begs the question for all readers out there, are you taking the over or under on the Red Sox win total in 2025?

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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