Life for the Red Sox after the work stoppage will be interesting. The team has currently added Rich Hill, James Paxton, and Jackie Bradley Jr. Still a long way to go. Currently, the organization has spent 190.000 000 on next year’s salaries. They still have to solve the second base dilemma. In this post, we will explore available options for next season.
Roster Chaos
One obvious answer is roster chaos. With Chaim Bloom already committing to washed _up veterans, one has to wonder what direction is next. Pitcher Michael Wacha is not the pitcher he once was. Rich Hill is in his third stint with the Red Sox. And Jackie Bradley is coming off his worst season ever.
In 2021 Bradley hit a disappointing 163 6 home runs, and 39 rbi’s. Plus an OBP/236, OPS/497, and 261 slugging percentage. Certainly not marketable numbers. No doubt the club will miss Renfroes production. His 14 assists were tops in the league. His postseason performance is what got him dealt. With, not much cap space left, Chaim Bloom’s options are minimal.
Number Three Starter And Closer
Replacing Eduardo Rodriguez is a priority. Michael Wacha and Rich Hill aren’t the answers. James Paxton is a reclamation project who we won’t see until 2023. That leaves only help in the farm or another free agent.
Notable free agents still available are Carlos Rodon, Alex Wood, and Michael Pineda. The most attractive name is Rodon. He had his best season in 2021 winning 13 games and losing six posting a 2.37 ERA. At 29 years old he would be the perfect fit for the Red Sox. A dependable lefthander who is still in his prime.
Another avenue to explore is the fam system. Two pitchers I like are Jay Groome and Chris Murphy. Groome is a monstrous 6’6″ weighing 262lbs. A slider, curve, and fastball are his best pitches. Murphy was 3-2 at Portland last season and throws 94 mph. Reliever Durbin Feltman went 7-0 at AAA Worcester
Outfield Depth
Replacing Hunter Renfroe will not be easy. Renfroe is coming off a career year, slamming 36 home runs. With Alex Verdugo in left and Jackie Bradley in centerfield, the club. is better defensively. With no help on the farm free agency is their option.
Several key free agents are still available. My personal favorite is Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos. Castellanos had a career year in 2021 belting 34 home runs and knocking in 100. Adam Duvall of the Braves and Tommy Pham of San Diego are still unsigned. Renfroe’s bat will be sorely missed. Free_ agent Kyle Schwarber is still available will be too expensive.
Japanese free agent Seiya Suzuki is a possibility. Suzuki is the best player on the market. He has a lifetime average of 309 with a 402OBP and 189 home runs. He would also be an asset defensively.
Conclusion
With the lockout still on hold, the team is not much better than last seasonWith the lockout still on hold, team is not much better than last season. Replacing Hunter Renfroe’s bat will be difficult. However, his twelve errors were the worst in the league. Resigning Kyle Schwarber will be tough even if the Luxury tax increases a little after the strike. Look for the team to pursue Seiya Suzuki is the most logical candidate.