3 free agents the Boston Red Sox should try to sign after the MLB lockout
Boston Red Sox free agent target No. 3: Kyle Schwarber
The Red Sox top trade deadline acquisition from last season, Kyle Schwarber, also happens to be their top available free agent this offseason, and from the sounds of it, both sides were in contact pretty consistently before the lockout. Schwarber has numerous suitors on the market, which isn’t necessarily a good sign for Boston, but that doesn’t mean a reunion between the two sides should be ruled out.
As previously mentioned, Schwarber was Boston’s prized acquisition at the trade deadline last season. While the Red Sox were universally panned for not doing more at the deadline, Schwarber proved to be a superb addition despite the lack of fit for him in the field. Schwarber hit .291 with seven home runs and 18 RBI’s in 41 games for the Sox, and while he didn’t necessarily fit a position on the field, he certainly jelled with his teammates in the clubhouse.
Just like that, Jackie Bradley Jr. is back in Boston. dark. Next
The problem with bringing back Schwarber is that the same issues that existed when this team traded for him last season still exist. Schwarber doesn’t really fit a certain position on the field right now, and he would really only make sense if he was forced back into action at first base, a position he has relatively no experience playing. Schwarber’s bat would be a huge help for a Boston lineup that now desperately needs more help, but there may be better fits on the market.
The fact that Boston hasn’t moved to sign other batters on the market shows they are still in on Schwarber. His market probably sits somewhere between $15-20 million a season, and he will probably get 3-5 years on his deal. Not super unreasonable, especially considering the amount of money we have seen dished out so far this offseason.
Schwarber’s bat would be a huge help, but there may just be better fits on the market than the power hitting lefty. He really profiles as more of a true designated hitter, but J.D. Martinez is still around for at least one more season, so Schwarber will continue to be forced to find a position in the field. Boston could stick with Schwarber for familiarity’s sake, and he would certainly be a welcome sight, but he shouldn’t be the teams top target at this point.