Boston Red Sox: Five Free Agents to Target this Off Season
Sep 26, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (28) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Texas Rangers in the seventh inning at Minute Maid Park. Astros won 9 to 7. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
In Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley and Rusney Castillo, the Red Sox may feel like they have their outfield set for next season, and many years after that. However, there is much unknown about that group. Betts looks to be a star in the making, and the other two certainly have plenty of upside, but the Red Sox could use some depth in the outfield.
I doubt they would go the high-priced route with a Jason Heyward, Justin Upton or Dexter Fowler, but there are some interesting options in the next tier for the Red Sox. Gerardo Parra, Denard Span and Austin Jackson all stand out for various reasons, and I would not be surprised to see the Red Sox showing interest in any of those players this off season.
That being said, Colby Rasmus feels like a guy the Red Sox should be looking for. While not much of an average hitter (career .244 batting average), Rasmus does provide plenty of value. He has nice power (22 homeruns, 23 doubles and two triples this season), plays good defense and has position versatility throughout the outfield.
The dream of Rasmus becoming a superstar is long gone, but he is a solid option in the outfield, and would be a nice complementary piece for the Red Sox.
Rasmus is hitting .232/.307/.453 with the Houston Astros this year, not bad, but far from great. However, he is providing nice depth and versatility for the team while not hurting them on the field. If Betts, Bradley and Castillo all turn out to be great next year, then Rasmus would be a nice fourth outfielder to have around. If one or more of them trip up (like we should expect them to), Rasmus would be a good replacement in the outfield.
Not a move that will grab the headlines, but Rasmus is a solid guy who the Red Sox could get for a fair price.
Next: Undervalued Pitcher with Upside