Red Sox Still Shopping For Bat To Replace Veteran Outfielder But Limited Options

Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow remains in search of roster upgrades with the club just days from away from reporting to Fort Myers, Fla.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey, who filed her report after the Red Sox signed veteran infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

“Boston is still on the hunt for more offense, and according to a team source, the Red Sox are still seeking to add another bat with less than a week before spring training begins,” McCaffrey wrote.

Her reporting was echoed by The Athletic’s Katie Woo and Will Sammon.

“While acquiring a right-handed infielder stands as more of a priority for the Boston Red Sox, the club is also exploring the possibility of adding a right-handed hitting outfielder, league sources said,” the pair wrote.

It’s no secret that Breslow has been shopping for some pop this offseason. The Red Sox had been linked to just about every slugger who was available this winter, from Kyle Schwarber to Pete Alonso to Eugenio Suarez.

Boston whiffed on re-signing third baseman Alex Bregman but the Red Sox hope his production can be replaced by first baseman Willson Contreras.

“Meanwhile, as the club continues to seek more offense overall, The Athletic reported Wednesday that the Red Sox have been inquiring about right-handed-hitting outfielders,” McCaffrey reported. “Among Boston’s four outfielders, Ceddanne Rafaela is the only right-handed hitter, with Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu all hitting lefty.”

“With that in mind, any outfield addition would likely supplement the existing group as Rob Refsnyder did in recent years. Refsnyder signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Seattle Mariners this offseason,” McCaffrey noted.

“Among the outfielders available in free agency, Randal Grichuk, 34, owns an .857 OPS against lefties over the last three seasons,” McCaffrey added.

“Along with Grichuk, Starling Marte and Tommy Pham are among the right-handed batting outfielders remaining in free agency,” Woo and Sammon noted.

“Against lefties last season, Grichuk (34) had a .703 OPS, Marte (37) had a .733 OPS and Pham (37) had a .651 OPS. Over the last three seasons against lefties, Grichuk (501 plate appearances) owns a .857 OPS while Marte (356 plate appearances) checks in at .748 and Pham (418 plate appearances) is at .716,” the duo added.

Of course, Breslow can also upgrade the roster by exploring the trade market, although there aren’t many power bats available right now. The best option would be Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, but Arizona has expressed little interest in moving the three-time All-Star.

Regardless, Breslow is running out of time to make a move.

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training in five days.