Boston Red Sox: Five Free Agents to Target this Off Season

Sep 20, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Chris Davis (19) hits a 2-run home run during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

If Ramirez is still around next season, he is probably going to be the Red Sox’s everyday first baseman. It is an odd fit for him, but there really is not another option. Instead of forcing another position change on Ramirez, I think the Red Sox will aggressively shop him to DH-needy teams. He still has a strong bat. Somebody will take a chance on him.

Now, that would leave a hole at first base. Travis Shaw could probably fill in admirably, but there is a player who will likely reach free agency who seems like a perfect fit. Chris Davis has become one of the best power hitters in baseball in recent seasons, and adding him to the middle of the Red Sox’s lineup would make for a huge boost in production.

After a down 2014 season where he struggled with injuries and performance, Davis has bounced back in a big way in 2015. He is currently hitting .257/.352/.547 on the season with 45 home runs. More importantly, he has stayed healthy throughout, and is entering free agency with high aspirations.

Power is down right now in baseball, and adding Davis to compliment David Ortiz in the middle of the Red Sox’s lineup would arguably give Boston the best power hitting duo in all of the game. Home runs hide a lot of problems on a roster, and if nothing else Davis would bring power.

If they can trade Ramirez to open up first base, this makes a lot of sense for the Red Sox. Unfortunately, it will make a lot of sense for a lot of teams. Everybody wants a power hitter, and Davis is going to go for a premium price. However, he could be worth it to Boston.

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