Red Sox 2024 Off-Season. Who could they land and how do they fit?
The Red Sox were right in the thick of the race for superstar outfielder Juan Soto, but with Soto inking a 15-year, 765 million-dollar deal with the New York Mets, where could they pivot now? There are plenty of big-name free agents left on the board, so let's look ahead and see how they fit.
1. Alex Bregman
Last year, with the Houston Astros, Bregman posted a .260 batting average with 26 home runs and 75 runs batted in. This was good for 4.1 WAR. As a right-handed hitter, along with his ties to Alex Cora from Cora's days in Houston, he is an obvious fit for the Red Sox, but with reports that Rafael Devers will be remaining at the hot corner, where does Bregman play? Bregman has said he would be open to playing second base, which would be a clear upgrade over what the Red Sox have now, but I feel that all depends on what the front office believes they have in Vaughn Grissom. I don't believe you give up on a 23-year-old who has shown the potential Grissom has that quickly. If the Red Sox do decide to take the route of playing Bregman at second base, could he also serve as a backup plan at shortstop due to the injury history of Trevor Story? I believe this could be the case if they keep Ceddane Rafaela in center field. Overall, I do think Bregman would be able to produce great numbers by playing 81 games at Fenway Park, but there's too much depth coming up through the farm system with Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer each being highly regarded prospects. I wouldn't hate the signing, but I think a better option exists.
2. Teoscar Hernandez
The Red Sox were showing interest in Hernandez last offseason but couldn't get the deal done. When looking to add a right-handed power bat, this is my number 1 target for the Red Sox. Last year with the Dodgers, Hernandez was an all-star and posted a 4.3 WAR batting .272 with 33 home runs and 99 runs batted in. Throughout his career, Hernandez has absolutely mashed at Fenway Park with 14 home runs and 44 Rbi's in just 45 games. This would be a great addition to the line-up, which is very left-handed heavy. With this addition, the Red Sox front office would have to make a tough decision with the plethora of outfielders they possess. In this scenario, I see gold glove winner Wilyer Abreu being moved for starting pitching help. Although it would be tough to see Abreu go, Hernandez would help bring power and a right-handed bat with the loss of Tyler O'Neil. This fit just seems too good to pass up on.
3. Corbin Burnes
If there is anything the Red Sox need more than a right-handed bat, it is starting pitching. Although many would prefer a lefty to add to the rotation, the best starter on the market is Burnes, and he should be the top starting pitching target for Boston. After being traded to Baltimore last off-season, Burnes pitched 194.1 innings with a 2.92 earned run average and 181 strikeouts, while finishing 5th in Cy Young voting. Although his strike-out rate has been decreasing, Burnes just turned 30, and I believe that he has plenty left in the tank. Working with pitching coach Andrew Bailey, Burnes could potentially return to his 2021 Cy Young award-winning form. Although pricey, the Red Sox seem to be determined to spend, and this would be a move that if matched with Hernandez or Bregman and some bullpen help, it can put Boston back where it belongs with the rest of the World Series contenders.
4. Max Fried
Another starting pitching option that has been tossed around in Red Sox rumors. Fried being a left-handed option would slide right into the rotation as the ace. With the Braves in 2024, Fried posted a 3.25 ERA with 166 strike-outs in 174.1 innings. As I said before, Burnes is the best starter available, but Fried would also be a great upgrade to the current rotation in Boston. A major concern with Fried is his injury history already receiving Tommy John surgery and recently having some forearm issues. Although I would still like the addition of Fried, I prefer Burnes.
5. Garret Crochet
The only non-free agent on this list is left-handed starter from the Chicago White Sox Garret Crochet. Last year Crochet broke out for the abysmal White Sox posting a 3.58 ERA with 209 strikeouts in 146 innings. With Crochet not being a free agent, what would the White Sox command for their ace? With the recent reports of the Red Sox being more willing to trade highly touted prospect Marcelo Mayer than previously thought, I believe he would have to headline the package. With Mayer potentially headlining the package, what else would have to be involved? I think that the Red Sox can get this deal done with a package of Abreu and Mayer. With the signing of either Hernandez or Bregman and emerging superstars Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell, I believe the Red Sox should seriously consider this deal. Although it is a hefty deal to make, Crochet has Cy Young potential at only 25 years old. If they were to make this deal, I believe it should only be done with the agreement of signing him to an extension to keep him in Boston for an extended period.
With these options laid out, Boston needs to go out and be aggressive. Last year's
team exceeded expectations and the highly ranked prospects in Anthony, Mayer, Campbell, and Teel are inching close to the big leagues. Now is the time to be aggressive and get it done. Let's see what Fenway Sports Group and Craig Breslow can do.
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