Boston Red Sox Rumors: Team interested in 1B/DH Mitch Moreland
The Boston Red Sox are showing interest in former Texas Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland.
Dave Dombrowski has had quite a day Tuesday. The Boston Red Sox have solidified their starting pitching by acquiring Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox and stabilized their bullpen with the acquisition of Tyler Thornburg. Now it’s time to turn attention back to the DH position.
As first reported by Jeff Sullivan of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Boston is interested in first baseman/DH Mitch Moreland. The 31-year-old free agent may not be a big name, but he does fit as far as the value Dombrowski is looking for in filling the position on a short-term basis.
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Moreland, who has spent his entire career in Texas, not only has some pop in his bat, but he is also a defending Gold Glove winner. So, not only could he provide some offense, he could also play the field. This is interesting because they could also decide to switch Hanley Ramirez to DH and let Moreland play first base.
Moreland is also a left-handed bat which makes him more intriguing to the Red Sox. He is coming off a down year offensively, but he is capable of putting up consistent offensive numbers. Last season he batted just .233 with 22 homers and 60 RBIs, but his effectiveness against right-handed pitching combined with playing half of his games at Fenway Park could spark that production.
As it is unclear as to whether Moreland is willing to sign a short-term deal, he would be a cheaper option for the Red Sox. He made $5.7 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility last season and shouldn’t command much more than that.
Dombrowski and the Red Sox also have interest in bringing back Mike Napoli as well as interest in former Baltimore Orioles slugger Pedro Alvarez. Boston does not have interest in Edwin Encarnacion although he has interest in joining the Red Sox.
Next: Boston Red Sox Land Chris Sale In A Trade And The Red Sox Are Winning A Title
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