The Boston Red Sox appeared to just be getting underway with their offseason bucket list when the MLB offseason was rudely interrupted by a full-scale lockout. In another sense, the lockout may have unintentionally saved the Sox from themselves, as they made some truly puzzling moves before the lockout commenced. Here’s hoping they can readjust their strategy and come out firing when the lockout is over.
It’s not as if all the big names have come off the board yet, so Boston will still have some time to add some more star power to their team when the offseason resumes. So far, Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom and the Sox front office have largely cheaped out in free agency after they utilized the same strategy at the trade deadline. Overpaying for inconsistent arms like Michael Wacha and James Paxton doesn’t put this team any closer to a championship unfortunately.
Considering Boston has already brought in Wacha, Paxton, and Massachusetts native Rich Hill, it seems unlikely they will dip back into the pitching market too heavily, unless it’s for bullpen help. While you can make an argument that there are still holes on the pitching staff, it’s clear the lineup is now in need of some help, especially after they traded away one of their best hitters in Hunter Renfroe for virtually no reason.
There are still a ton of bats on the market, as many of the moves to open free agency saw starting pitchers find new homes. And while there is currently no baseball activity ongoing, that hasn’t stopped the Red Sox from getting rumored to pretty much every name available. So with that in mind, lets take a look at three free agents that the Boston Red Sox could target once the MLB offseason resumes.
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.
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.
Boston Red Sox free agent target No. 2: Freddie Freeman
Speaking of more natural fits on the free agent market, Freddie Freeman may just be the best of the bunch. Freeman is fresh off winning a World Series with the Atlanta Braves, and he is set to cash in one last time on the free agent market now. Freeman and the Braves have an obvious affinity for each other, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Freeman change his colors if he receives more money elsewhere.
Freeman followed up an MVP campaign in 2020 with another really solid season to help lead Atlanta all the way to a championship. Freeman hit .300 on the dot with 31 home runs and 83 RBI’s, and has continued his development into one of the best all-around hitters in baseball. Not to mention, Freeman is a first baseman, which is one of Boston’s top positions of need.
The market for Freeman didn’t really take off before the lockout, but it’s rumored that he is looking for somewhere in the ballpark of a six year, $180 million deal. Expensive yes, but completely worthy for a player of Freeman’s caliber. The question sadly becomes whether or not Bloom would be willing to fork over that sum of cash for one player.
There really isn’t a better fit on the market than Freeman at this point for the Red Sox. He plays first base, which they basically patched together all season long last year, and adds some more production from the left side of the plate for Boston. Rafael Devers was pretty much the main source of offense from the left side last season, with Schwarber and Alex Verdugo chipping in from time to time as well.
In terms of a move that would push the Boston Red Sox closer to their next World Series victory, Freeman would be one of the top moves to accomplish that goal. Sure, he is already 32, so shelling out a ton of money on a player reaching the end of his prime could be dangerous, but so far Freeman has only gotten better with time. It’s clear he’d be a fantastic fit with this team, and it’s now up to the front office to decide if they feel the same way.
Boston Red Sox free agent target No. 1: Seiya Suzuki
In a surprising turn of events, Boston’s top free agent target once the MLB lockout ends might be a player who didn’t even play in the majors last season. The Red Sox are rumored to be one of the most aggressive teams pursuing Japanese superstar outfielder Seiya Suzuki, and he may just end up being the direct replacement for Renfroe in right field if everything goes Boston’s way.
For those not familiar with Suzuki, don’t be ashamed. Suzuki has spent his entire career in Japan playing with the Hiroshima Carp, and he quickly became the subject of much attention from pretty much every MLB team. Last season, Suzuki hit .317 with 38 home runs and 88 RBI’s while playing above average defense in right field.
Adding Suzuki into the fold would help explain why the Sox sent Renfroe to the Milwaukee Brewers for pretty much nothing. Banking on international free agents to become everyday players is a risky proposition (Rusney Castillo, anyone?), but Suzuki appears to be a much safer bet than some of the previous players available. He appears to be a better hitter than the homer-hungry Renfroe, but he will have to prove he can hit MLB pitching early and often.
Suzuki is projected to be looking for a long term deal worth $10-15 million. He has already been posted by Hiroshima, which basically just means MLB teams are free to negotiate with him (once the lockout ends that is). Suzuki’s asking price is definitely worth taking a shot on, and if he can produce like he has done in Japan in the majors, it would be one of the biggest steals in the league.
Boston has a chance to add a transcendent star to their lineup who fills a position of need for a relatively low cost. With the free agent market already witnessing hundreds of millions of dollars being spent thus far, having the ability to add a player like Suzuki for a reasonable price could be gamechanger. The Red Sox now have ample time to create their plan for free agency once the lockout ends, and they will need to act fast in order to make sure they don’t lose out on the Suzuki sweepstakes.