Red Sox Free Agent Target Signs With AL East Rival

The Boston Red Sox miss out on another top free agent as outfielder Anthony Santander signs a five-year, $92.5 million deal with A.L. East rival Toronto Blue Jays. Santander had a career-high 44 home runs and 102 RBIs last year, earning him his first all-star appearance for the Baltimore Orioles. In his career, Santander’s slash line is .246/.308/.506. 

MLB Network’s Jon Morsi reported the Red Sox were showing “strong interest” in Santander in early December, but the Red Sox interest wasn’t enough. The 30-year-old switch-hitter could’ve brought a unique boost to the Red Sox lineup which has plenty of lefties but needs a right-hand hitter with the loss of outfielder Tyler O’Neil to the Orioles.

Time is starting to run out for the Red Sox to add a right-handed hitter to the lineup as February 12th is the day the Red Sox have their first full squad workout. Luckily for the Red Sox, there is a big-name free agent available to help bolster their lineup.

Third-baseman Alex Bregman could be a great pick-up for the Red Sox. Bregman, a two-time all-star who’s spent his nine-year career with the Houston Astros, had 26 home runs last year to go along with 75 RBIs while batting for .260. 

MLB insider Jon Heyman named the Red Sox, along with the Detroit Tigers, a potential suitor earlier this month. While signing Bregman would mean a change of position with either him or Rafael Devers, the gold-glove recipient would be a great boost to the lineup. Bregman would have a smooth transition with the Red Sox as Alex Cora coached him during his time as bench coach with the Astros in 2017. 

Whether it’s Bregman through free agency or a potential trade acquiring third-basemen Nolan Arenado, the Red Sox need to take a swing if they want to avoid missing the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year.

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