How Astros, Yankees’ Splash Moves Could Impact Red Sox’s Plans
The Red Sox have been fairly quiet when it comes to free agency.
Boston has been busy, don’t get us wrong, with the acquisition of pitcher Garrett Crochet serving as the organization’s biggest in the last several seasons. Patrick Sandoval, Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson aren’t exactly knocking anyone’s socks off, however, and do nothing to address the need for a right-handed bat.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has still played things pretty well, though.
Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado are still looking for new homes, with a pair of assumed suitors each looking elsewhere to fill their needs.
The Houston Astros reportedly signed first baseman Christian Walker on Friday, pivoting away from their nixed trade for Arenado and essentially waiving the white flag on a Bregman return. The New York Yankees reportedly signed first baseman Paul Goldschmidt on Saturday, which many believe takes them out of the running for the two former All-Star third baseman.
Who is left?
Craig and company.
Boston has been tied to each player, with separate reports painting the club out to be an aggressor for their services. Bregman reportedly is willing to play second base and would provide some dead-pull power from the right side of the dish. Arenado is still one of the best gloves in the world, and his addition to third base would immediately provide an upgrade defensively while shifting Rafael Devers to a more full-time role as designated hitter.
The Red Sox obviously have to go out and acquire one of these guys (Bregman through free agency, Arenado through trade), but other options seem to be falling by the wayside.
It’s only a matter of time before each man finds a new home, and it very well could be Fenway Park.