Baseball fans are dealing with Major League Baseball’s boring offseason. Free agency is the beauty of sports. This year is an entirely different situation. MLB commissioner Rob Manford announced a work stoppage in November. Team’s and facilities shut down until further notice. With Covid on the rampage, fans are bracing for a long and bleak winter. In this post, we will discuss three areas that the Red Sox needs to focus on when the stoppage ends.
Starting Pitching
In the early days of free agency starting pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez signed with Detroit. The move puts added pressure on the staff. Currently, the club has two starters, Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi. Whether Garrett Whitlock or Tanner Houck can crack the starting rotation, we will see in spring training.
Before the stoppage, General Manager Chaim Bloom signed Rich Hill and Jim Paxton to contracts. Paxton is recovering from Tommy John. His status is in limbo. The interesting issue with his deal is, they have a club option for two years. With time and patience, he could be a diamond in the rough. The ex _Mariner and Yankee can be tough when healthy.
Rich Hill, on the other hand, is reuniting with the Red Sox. He pitched from 2010 until 2012 and again in 2015. Last season he was 7-8 with a 3.86 ERA splitting time with Toronto and, the New York Mets.
First Base Help
Last season rookie Bobby Dalbec had a breakout year. The first_ year player cracked twenty_ five home rubs and drove in seventy_ eight runs. Questions arose regarding his defense. As the season progressed, his fielding improved.
A possible free_ agent signee is Mitch Moreland. Moreland spent the past year with the Oakland Athletics.
Bullpen Overhaul
The Red Sox bullpen was inconsistent in 2021. They had a team ERA of 4.26 seventh in the American League. Save wise, the club had 49 second best in the league. rookie Garrett Whitlock was a candidate for Rookie of the Year. Fellow teammate Tanner Houck split time between relief and starting. Closer Matt Barnes was dominant in the first half and shaky in the second half. A fresh face will be a welcomed addition for fans.
Conclusion
Last season, the team exceeded all expectations. Finishing 92-70, they were the surprise of baseball. Alex Cora had his option picked up. Wise spending is the key to contention once the work stoppage ends.
