Boston Red Sox rumors: Marcell Ozuna would be a monster addition

The Boston Red Sox recent free agency moves highlighted by the signing of Kike Hernandez and pitcher Garrett Richards may just be the start of an otherwise quiet free agency period.

According to Dominican reporter Hector Gomez, the Red Sox have entered the sweepstakes for slugger Marcell Ozuna, who is the biggest remaining free agent prize on the market.

This is a bit of a surprise given Sam Kennedy’s recent comments that the team is not going “all in” on the 2020 MLB season, but perhaps the Red Sox team president and CEO was just putting up a smoke screen or simply saying that the team will not splurge unless they know for sure it will be worth it.

Is Ozuna such a player?

Given his potential contract demands, as outlined by Gomez, are the Red Sox really in the mix or are they kicking the tires in case Ozuna settles for a deal similar to that of J.D. Martinez with opt-out years included.

It definitely is intriguing and another one of the MLB rumors that could leave Red Sox fans frustrated if one of the other teams rumored to be interested in Ozuna lands him, especially if that team ends up being the New York Yankees.

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Why Marcell Ozuna would be a good investment for the Boston Red Sox

Like another famous Dominican baseball player who found success in Boston, the addition of Ozuna would make the Boston Red Sox lineup a more powerful one for sure.

Unlike David Ortiz, however, Ozuna has had much more success, including a 60-game MLB season in which he powered 18 homers and 56 RBI with the Atlanta Braves.

Prior to that, the two-time All-Star exploded in 2017 with 37 homers and 124 RBI while playing for the Miami Marlins.  In that respect, the power has been consistent and at the age of 30 he may have some of his productive years ahead of him, especially if he plays half his games in Fenway Park.

Though the team has J.D. Martinez primarily at the DH spot, Ozuna is a talented outfielder whose addition would make those Andrew Benintendi trade rumors make more since.  He would also be the eventual replacement at DH with Martinez entering another option at the end of the 2021 season.  So, a four-year deal wouldn’t be disastrous for the Red Sox, especially if dominates the plate like he did in 2020.

Then, there is the Big Papi factor. With Dominican ties could the presence of Ortiz sway Ozuna to the Red Sox if contract offers were close?

Perhaps.

But a lineup centered around Marzell Ozuna, J.D. Martinez, Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers sure sounds delicious for Boston Red Sox fans and fearsome for opposing teams.

There is still some hope the Red Sox can save their offseason.

Fingers crossed.