Boston Red Sox: Intriguing Non-Tender Targets

Oct 4, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) stands on the field prior to a game against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Cleveland won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The MLB non-tender deadline came and went without much surprise from the Boston Red Sox. As expected, they tendered contracts to all three of their arbitration eligible players: Junichi Tazawa, Joe Kelly and Robbie Ross. That being said, there were many teams who considered their own eligible players to be not worthy of tendering a contract, and as always there are a few surprises.

The Red Sox made their massive move two days ago, signing ace pitcher David Price to a huge free agent contract. The addition of Price stabilizes the Red Sox rotation, giving them a true ace at the top. Couple that with the trade for closer Craig Kimbrel and free agent signing of outfielder Chris Young, and the Red Sox have been arguably the busiest team in the early portion of the off season.

Between adding Price, Kimbrel and Young, the Red Sox have already greatly improved their team for next year. While I imagine that the most significant moves of the off season are behind them, their roster is far from perfect. There is still much room for improvement on the Red Sox roster, but these improvements can be made with much less-heralded deals.

Perhaps there is a player or two who were non-tendered by their team, that could be on interest to the Red Sox? Sometimes it is just a roster crunch, a bad reaction to an injury, poor scouting or simply a bad decision, but non-tendered players can be a solid place to find value. Look no further than the Red Sox scooping up David Ortiz after he was non-tendered by the Minnesota Twins in 2002.

Obviously, not every non-tender signing turns into Big Papi, but there is some potential value here. With their major moves of the off season likely behind them, it is time for the Red Sox to find that value.

Like they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. We know he can swing big in major deals, but can Dave Dombrowski find a diamond in the rough?

Here are non-tendered players who the Red Sox should be targeting.

Next: A Strong Middle Rotation Option