With baseball free agency around the corner, it’s time to predict what the 2121 Red Sox roster may look like. With only $25,000,000 to spend they have a lot of holes to fill. The first order of business is to address the second base position. A long time favorite Dustin Pedroia career may be over. Another area is pitching. Boston had one of the worst bullpens in baseball last season. Overall, they squandered 25 blown saves. With no closer insight, the team will have to search elsewhere.
Five Free Agent Fits For The 2021 Red Sox
Anthony Descalfani
This would be a reclamation project. Descalfani has been injury_ riddled the past two seasons. In 2020 he finished with a 1-2 record and a 7.22 ERA. The lanky right _hander would be a bargain.
In 2020 Descalfani had a disappointing season. He only appeared in 9 games due to a strain in his right shoulder. Given the right situation, he could be a perfect candidate as a fourth or fifth starter.
His current salary with the Reds last season was $5.9. This would be an ideal signing for the Red Sox. The knock_ on Descalfani is he has a high walk ratio of 10%. When healthy, he throws with good velocity averaging 93
Chris Archer
Red Sox General manager is very familiar with Chris Archer. The long time Devil Ray was dealt to Pittsburgh two_years ago. He missed the entire 2020 season due to numbness in the fingers.
A fresh start would be the best alternative for Archer. I look for him to return to the AL East where he once one of the best Rays pitchers on the staff. At $11,000,000 he would be the perfect one or two _year deal fit. When he’s healthy he eats up a lot of innings. This is a department the Red Sox sorely lacked in 2020.
Jackie Bradley Jr
This is a must signing. Forget signing George Springer or Michael Brantley. At 30 years old Bradley is the best all _around center fielder in baseball. He wins more games with his glove and arm than anyone.
A career 239 hitter Bradley also has a 412 slugging and 321 OBP. At $6,000,000 he is still the best deal on the market. He would be a perfect short term deal until Jared Duran or Gilberto Jiminez are ready. He’s also a threat on the basepaths.
For several years,
Bradley has been the talk of trade rumors. A personal favorite of mine Bradley is one of the game’s streakiest hitters. Also, one of the team’s leaders on and off the field.
Cesar Hernandez/2b/Indians
A true second baseman, he would add a spark to the Red Sox lineup. A veteran of eight major league seasons. He broke in with the Phillies and signed with Cleveland as a free agent in 2020.
Would be a great fit as the team’s leadoff hitter. A career 277 hitter and 352 OBP/ and 383 SLG. Hernandez can provide speed and is an excellent situational hitter.
With a cap hit of $7.75.000,000, he would be the perfect substitute until Jeter Downs is ready. He is an excellent bunter which would be a bonus with the club’s lineup. Has a career 80 stolen base
Christian Arroyo/ Inf/ Red Sox
This may be the best alternative for the Red Sox. Christian Arroyo joined the team in early 2020 after being released by Tampa. Even though he appeared in only 20 games it’s his defensive skills that caught management’s eye.
career _wise Arroyo is a 219 hitter with 9 home runs and 35 RBI’s. As a player, Arroyo provides versatility playing multiple positions. If Arroyo has a good spring training he could prove to be a diamond in the rough.
conclusion
Red Sox President Chaim Boom has a difficult task rebuilding the current roster. With $25,000,000 available the organization can only get better. The club finished with the fourth _worst record in baseball last season.
If pitchers Chris Sale and Eduardo Rodriguez can bounce back from injuries the rebuild should be easier. Promising youngsters such as Bobby Dalbec and Tanner Houck give Red Sox fans hope for a bright future.