The 2022 MLB Trade Deadline is just weeks away and rumors are starting to swirl. When it comes to the Boston Red Sox and what Chaim Bloom should do, it starts with the first base position.
Currently there is still hope Bobby Dalbec will get it together, but currently he’s hitting just .205 in 210 plate appearances. With just 6 homers, his power and defense aren’t making up for the inconsistency at the plate.
Then, there is the experiment at first base that is Franchy Condero. He’s hitting .240 with 4 homers and 23 RBI, but is there really any confidence of him morphing into that everyday first baseman who can be an impact in the lineup?
The odds of that are low considering Cordero’s up-and-down production with the Boston Red Sox over the last couple of seasons. So, what does Bloom do at first base?
Boston Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom addresses first base
In an interview with Masslive.com, Bloom addressed his approach which seems to settle with what the team already has.
"“Potentially. I think what Franchy has done since coming in there – granted he has some versatility to play elsewhere, too – I think he has done a solid job and I think what he has done under the surface is even better than what you see on the back of the baseball card,” Bloom said when asked about upgrading the first base position. “We know Bobby can hit lefties. He’s handling a tougher role right now really well. We’ve been hopeful this whole year that as Triston (Casas) gets going, he still might figure into this thing…recognizing that he needs to make up for lost time. Certainly, it’s a spot where we can be open to additions from the outside.”"
In all, besides potentially giving Casas his opportunity, Bloom will defer to the versatility already on the team if the price is too steep for someone from the outside. But that’s not going to stop us from exploring those outside possibilities.
Here are 4 impact first basemen the Boston Red Sox should target at the MLB Trade Deadline.
4. Eric Hosmer, San Diego Padres
If the last few seasons in San Diego are any indication, veteran first baseman Eric Hosmer wouldn’t be the kind of impact player he was during his days with the Kansas City Royals, but he is still a player the Boston Red Sox should have on their radar.
Who knows, maybe coming back to the American League and playing baseball in Fenway Park could rejuvenate Hosmer back to the plate presence he was with the Royals. While production wise he is not doing much better than Franchy Cordero, Hosmer is a natural first baseman who would be an upgrade defensively.
Not saying he is a Gold Glover, but between Bobby Dalbec and Cordero, he may as well be.
As a player the Red Sox were rumored to be targeting in free agency years ago, the obstacle of trading for Hosmer is obviously his salary. If he was more of a consistent player with the Padres, perhaps Chaim Bloom pulls the trigger anyway. Then again, if he was consistent, the Padres wouldn’t be looking to move him.
But, to focus on the player Hosmer was in Kansas City, if the Padres are willing to each much of his contract, the Red Sox and other teams will be knocking on the door. As far as the Red Sox, adding another left-handed bat is always appealing, but we all know Bloom is in it to make the right deal and not just make a deal to make a deal.
Still, Hosmer is a possibility worth exploring.
3. Christian Walker, Arizona Diamondbacks
If the Arizona Diamondbacks are sellers at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline a player most teams will pick up the phone and inquire about is first baseman Christian Walker.
Under contract through 2024, the 31-year-old slugger would check off two boxes for the Boston Red Sox. He would add a power bat in the middle of the lineup this season and could serve as the team’s DH beyond this season if J.D. Martinez walks in free agency.
Although he isn’t hitting any better than Dalbec with a .209 batting average, his 21 homers and 43 RBI would add even more punch to a lineup centered around Rafael Devers, Martinez, Xander Bogaerts and Trevor Story.
Given his current contract, this would be a relatively cheap acquisition for Chaim Bloom and one that could at least give the Red Sox some stability at first base. If the Diamondbacks are willing to part ways, Bloom could offer Dalbec or a prospect or two for the services of Walker who should be even more productive playing in Fenway Park, especially if he picks up that batting average and is more like the .242 career hitter he has been in his career.
Obviously, Christian Walker is not the top choice here at first base, but he is the type of player Bloom would target at the right price and like Kyle Schwarber a year ago, could give a jolt of energy to an already potent offense…when everyone is hitting.
Definitely, a name to watch ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline, especially if the Diamondbacks fall further in the standings.
2. Trey Mancini, Baltimore Orioles
You must admire a player as dedicated to a losing team as Trey Mancini is to the Baltimore Orioles.
As one of the more inspirational players in MLB, the veteran first baseman has shredded off trade rumors in the past and voiced his commitment to seeing a young Orioles team improve, but perhaps now is the time for the 30-year-old to join a contender with a chance to win.
Enter the Boston Red Sox.
As Mancini was on the wish list last year at this time, the Red Sox will have to outbid a team like the New York Mets for Mancini’s services this year.
Again, Bloom won’t give up too much for Mancini, but he is the type of player who can put the team over the top not only on the field, but with this leadership as well. At the plate, Mancini is batting .284 with 8 homers and 35 RBI through 78 games. A little off his pace when it comes to homers, but he has more than capable power belting 35 homers just a few seasons ago.
A more impactful player than Walker, the veteran first baseman would be a nice fit in that Boston Red Sox lineup as currently constructed. He is also a player they can move to the DH spot beyond this season when Tristian Casas is ready to take over at first base.
In all, a move that would give the Red Sox a high grade, but would the Orioles trade Mancini within the division?
If the return value is right…absolutely.
1. Josh Bell, Washington Nationals
The obviously prize when it comes to first baseman is Washington Nationals slugger Josh Bell.
Now, this would be the type of trade acquisition that would put Chaim Bloom on the map as a big time executive in the league.
So far, Bloom’s biggest trade has been shipping off the great Mookie Betts. Bringing in a player like Bell would finally fulfill the hunger Red Sox fans have for him to bring in a big-time player.
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With a .304 batting average with 12 homers and 47 RBI, Bell has the plate presence and power to be special offensively.
MLB writer Mark Feinsand agrees and highlighted Bell as a potential fit:
"“It wasn’t long ago that the Red Sox were widely considered to be future sellers this summer, but Boston’s 20-6 record in June has thrust them into one of the more intriguing buyers. First base has been a black hole for the Sox, whose collective .609 OPS at the position ranks next-to-last in the Majors.”"
On the last year of his deal, Bell could end up being just a rental for the Red Sox, but the team has never shied away from that in the past. With a league leading .895 OPS, this is a player who could make the Boston Red Sox a World Series contender. Yes, he is that good offensively.
The question with Bell, is what will it take to obtain him? The Nationals will be looking for prospects and the Red Sox have them. It’s going to come down to which ones Bloom is willing to part with.
We shall see.