Top 5 Position Player Adds
Who should new CBO Craig Breslow add to bolster the lineup?
Free Agency officially starts later today and Tommy Bennett and I are back with another top 5 targets list for the Red Sox to target this off-season. Over the weekend, we dropped our top 5 starting pitcher lists that new CBO Craig Breslow should target. Today, we are focusing on our top 5 offensive targets, whether through free agency or via trades.
When it comes to the Red Sox offense, the main loss is Justin Turner, who opted out of his player-option. Breslow will need to fill the DH spot and determine which outfielders the Red Sox will build around and which outfielders could be included in a trade package to fill another hole on the roster. Second base is also a potential hole on the roster and could be upgraded this off-season. Let’s get into our lists!
Tommy’s #5: Justin Turner
Justin Turner declined his player option and is now a free agent. That is no surprise considering he could net more on the open market, as his option was only $6.7 million. But bringing back Turner would be great for the Red Sox for multiple reasons.
For majority of the season, Turner was the Red Sox MVP. He was consistent and got it done at the plate. Turner hit 23 home runs, which was third on the Red Sox. He also drove in 96 runs, which was the second most on the Red Sox. When it came to being in the field, Turner saw time at third base and first base. His versatility was a bonus and he was able to give aid to those who needed it. But it’s more than what he can do at the plate and the field.
Turner is a leader and was a key component to the clubhouse. With some of the leaders no longer with the club, Turner took the leadership role upon himself. With many young guys in the fold, his mentorship is huge going forward.
Ballpark Buzz’s #5: CJ Cron
I have been a CJ Cron fan for a while now as he is someone I wanted the Red Sox to acquire in the past. Acquiring Cron would be with the assumption that CBO Craig Breslow spent big to improve the starting rotation and is trying to save money on a high upside DH to replace Justin Turner’s production. Cron was limited to only 71 games last season as he dealt with a couple of injuries but when he is healthy, he is someone who can hit 30+ home runs. Cron has had success at Fenway Park in his career. In 16 career games, he’s hit .328 with a .656 slugging percentage. The Red Sox desperately need some right-handed power and Cron is the definition of that.
Tommy’s #4: Jorge Soler
The Red Sox have a plethora of lefty batters in the lineup. One thing they are lacking is a right handed bat and with power. After opting out of his deal with the Miami Marlins, Jorge Soler would be a perfect fit for the Red Sox.
Soler can launch a baseball like no other and would make a lethal addition to a Red Sox offense.. Soler can hit for power and finished with a .512 slugging percentage. In addition, he finished with the second best wRC+ of his career (126). Soler is coming off of a season in which he hit 36 home runs. The team needs a power bat and if he can slot in at DH, this would be a huge signing.
Ballpark Buzz’s #4: Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
Gurriel Jr. is a quiet but productive player. With the lack of righties in the lineup, Gurriel Jr. could bring some balance to the Sox attack. Gurriel Jr. is coming off of a career year in home runs (24) in an Arizona ballpark that is not the easiest to hit home runs. Gurriel Jr. is a career .320 hitter in 40 games at Fenway Park and I think the power should remain consistent with the Monster in left field. Defensively, Gurriel Jr. is a really good defender as he had 14 defensive runs saved. I do not think the Red Sox will go into 2024 with 3 left-handed hitting outfielders. Gurriel Jr. may not be at the top of my list but there is no question he can help the Red Sox replace some of the production they will lose with Justin Turner turning down his player option.
Tommy’s #3: Juan Soto via trade
It is no secret that the San Diego Padres are strapped financially and are looking to shed payroll. Shohei Ohtani may steal the spotlight but the trade market for Soto will be in full swing.
Soto would make a great fit in Boston. He has been spotted with Red Sox alumni players such as Jason Varitek, David Ortiz, and Pedro Martinez. At 25 years of age, he is perfect to pair alongside Rafael Devers. He is arbitration eligible in 2024 and a free agent in 2025, so a long term extension is needed. With Craig Breslow getting the green light to spend money, this is the perfect addition. It won’t be cheap but he is worth it.
Soto was a machine offensively, hitting 35 home runs and driving in 109 runs. He does a great job getting on base (.410 OBP) and finished with a .275 batting average. Soto concluded the season with a 155 wRC+. He is a left fielder and would be an upgrade to the Red Sox outfield and a core piece going forward.
Ballpark Buzz’s #3: Rhys Hoskins
Heading into free agency, Boston will have a big hole at the DH position with Justin Turner declining his ‘24 option. Boston needs more right handed power bats and Rhys Hoskins is a perfect fit. Hoskins is still working his way back from an ACL injury that occurred during Spring Training. When Hoskins has been healthy in the past, he is a 30+ home run hitter with a high OBP. The Philly power bat has his limitations as he will probably never hit above .250 and will have a 25+ percent K-rate. If you have not watched a lot of Phillies games over the last 5 years and seen Hoskins play, think of an upgrade to Adam Duvall. It remains to be seen what type of contract Hoskins will get on the open market. Will a team give him a “prove it 1-year contract” or will a team give him a 3-4 year deal? Losing Justin Turner would not be as noticeable if they replace him with a player like Rhys Hoskins.
Tommy’s #2: Shohei Ohtani
This is a no brainer decision but comes with risk. Ohtani will not pitch in 2024 and you have to wonder how much longer he can do both pitching and hitting. He will be at the plate during the 2024 season and helps fill the void at the DH position now that Justin Turner declined his option.
Ohtani can hit for power and average. It is precisely the type of bat the Red Sox need in the lineup. Ohtani led the league last season in slugging percentage and OPS . The contract will be hefty but a player of his caliber only comes around… maybe never. With the green light to spend, you’d be crazy not to circle around to Ohtani.
Ballpark Buzz’s #2: Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani’s TJ injury is the reason he is not first on this list. I predict Ohtani will break Mike Trout’s contract record. There is no doubt that Ohtani deserves to be the highest paid player in the history of the sport but the pitching is a huge question mark. He will miss all of ‘24 in regards to pitching as he recovers. Personally, I would like to see Boston sign Ohtani and have him focus on his hitting. A player who can hit .300 with 40+ home runs is super rare and I can only imagine what he would be able to do inside of Fenway Park. The pitching potential is intriguing but focusing only on hitting would help him stay fresh throughout the season. I know I have talked about the Red Sox needing more balance in their offense with more right handed bats but with Ohtani, you can throw that argument out. Great hitters like Ohtani are great regardless of who is on the mound. Give me Ohtani’s bat.
Tommy’s #1: Rhys Hoskins
Rhys Hoskins comes with options if the Red Sox choose to add him. He is a player that can play first base but also slots in as the DH. With Justin Turner declining his option, a need at that role is evident.
Hoskins is a right handed bat, which is exactly what the Red Sox need. He could very well be an improvement over Adam Duvall and provide the same amount of power. Even with him coming off of a torn ACL, there is upside to this deal. In 2022, Hoskins was good for 30 home runs and having that power in the lineup is perfect for this offense. If Tristan Casas needs a day off, Hoskins can fill in. Only two seasons has Hoskins failed to reach 20 home runs in his young six year career.
Ballpark Buzz’s #1: Fernando Tatis Jr.
The Red Sox acquiring Tatis Jr. has always seemed like a fairytale dream but when the report came out that the Padres took out a 50 M dollar loan to pay players, maybe it’s not that crazy. If the Padres were to try to shed some payroll, the Red Sox absolutely should come calling. Tatis Jr. came back from his steroid suspension this season and had a solid season (113 wRC+). Boston has the prospects and the financial flexibility to take on the remaining 11 / 324M left on his deal. Acquiring Nando would solve a lot of the Red Sox offensive questions. He can play shortstop, which would allow Story to move back to second base to fill the hole that was there for most of last season. Tatis Jr. is a right handed bat to counter all of the lefties in the Sox lineup. The Padres superstar also has the ability to hit the ball out of the ballpark as he has hit 106 home runs in his first 4 seasons in the big leagues.
Are there risks with Tatis Jr? Absolutely. He has dealt with shoulder problems in the past with his shoulder dislocating on his backswing. He has injured himself while riding a motorcycle, which could question his dedication to the organization. There is also the steroid suspension that could cause many fans to feel a certain way about him. The risks are there but so is the superstar talent. If the Padres would be willing to move Tatis Jr, Boston could have one of the game’s best at a premier position for the next decade. In my opinion, the risks are worth it.
Another huge shoutout to Tommy for collaborating on this piece. Remember, go follow him on Twitter (@TJBennettt37). It’s been a bit quiet for Red Sox fans besides the Breslow hire but with free agency starting tonight, the hot stove is about to heat up quickly!
Who would you like to see the Red Sox sign / trade for to bolster the lineup?