Boston Red Sox Rumors: 2 reasons why Eddie Rosario would be gold
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly interested in power-hitting outfield Eddie Rosario, which would be an upgrade in the outfield.
Imagine a Boston Red Sox outfield with Alex Verdugo and Eddie Rosario as the corner outfielders with Andrew Benintendi at center?
Well, that is a possibility as the Red Sox are reportedly interested in the power-hitting Rosario just days after he was non-tendered by the Minnesota Twins. The 29-year-old outfielder was due to make $8.6 million to $12.9 million in arbitration.
As the left fielder for the Twins over the past six seasons, Eddie Rosario really broke out offensively in 2017 with a batting average of .290 with 27 homers and 78 RBI. Since that breakout season, Rosario has been a reliable source offensively with his best season coming in 2019.
More from Chowder and Champions
- 3 Patriots on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
The slugging outfielder batted .276 with 32 homers and 109 RBI. That kind of production in the outfield is certainly what the Boston Red Sox are looking for as he will be a cheaper option than a big name like George Springer.
Why would the Twins non-tender a player who was voted their most valuable player in 2019? It all comes down to economics and the Red Sox are in position to take advantage of that.
Here are two prime reasons targeting Eddie Rosario makes sense for the Boston Red Sox:
Eddie Rosario is a reliable source of power in the outfield
The 29-year-old outfielder is not as highly recognized as George Springer, but he has been playing for a small market team in Minnesota.
By joining the Boston Red Sox, he will have a chance to really breakout into a star by showcasing the same reliable power he has exhibited over the past few seasons.
Even in a shortened 60-game season, Eddie Rosario still launched 13 homers and really owned top-level pitching such as Trevor Bauer and Mike Clevinger. Adding him to a lineup that includes J.D. Martinez, Rafael Devers, Alex Verdugo and Xander Bogaerts instantly gives the Red Sox a potent offense with a player who just entering his prime.
Oh, and just imagine him hitting in Fenway Park half of his games!
Speaking of Alex Verdugo, this leads to the second reason Eddie Rosario makes sense in Boston.
The Alex Cora factor
With Alex Cora back as the manager for the Boston Red Sox, the Puerto Rican connection will be there and for a player like Eddie Rosario, perhaps that will provide a comfort zone for him to be swayed to Boston.
The reason Verdugo is referenced is Cora has mentioned his focus to bring out the best in the young outfielder. By adding a veteran like Rosario, who is still blossoming in his own right, the Red Sox could have quite the tandem in the outfield along with a rejuvenated Andrew Benintendi.
Next. Boston Red Sox Rumors: 3 most dynamic free agent prizes for 2021. dark
Like another former Minnesota Twins slugger who came to Boston and became a legend, Eddie Rosario will have the opportunity to make his own mark with the Red Sox both as a mentor to a player like Verdugo and as a power source with some clutch in his genes.
By the way, that legend was David Ortiz and he still has a big presence in the Boston Red Sox organization. That could help bring Rosario to Boston as well.