One of the perfect pitchers in baseball signed a $185 million deal and never as soon as did we see the Red Sox pop up as a contender for his providers.
Former Mets ace Jacob deGrom kicked off the MLB scorching range motion forward of this week’s Winter Meetings by signing with the Texas Rangers on Friday in a surprising transfer that would shake up the American League.
Of course, the Red Sox haven’t been rumored to be in on any of the top-tier free brokers, a theme over the past 4 years.
The complete world is aware of they want a shortstop, which is the place their offseason priorities must be, but it surely’s not their solely want.
Here are some gamers to keep watch over as the recent range heats up this week:
1. Xander Bogaerts
The Red Sox’ self-proclaimed “Plan A” of the offseason has so far regarded like a Plan Z, with the Sox trying like outsiders at their very own celebration. The Padres and Phillies have reportedly been essentially the most lively within the pursuit of Bogaerts, who reportedly advised the Red Sox he’s shifting on after their failed makes an attempt to fulfill his calls for, based on The Athletic’s Peter Gammons. The report was refuted by Bogaerts’ agent Scott Boras, leaving a sliver of hope for Red Sox followers who wish to see their franchise shortstop in Boston for the rest of his profession. If not Bogaerts, will the Sox shift focus to Trea Turner, Carlos Correa or Dansby Swanson? Or are they going to gamble their 2023 season on the creaky elbow of Trevor Story at shortstop?
2. Mitch Haniger
Two years in the past, Haniger’s 39-home run season with the Mariners shocked the league as he put collectively a Hunter Renfroe-esque profession yr on the dish. A participant with the same skillset to Renfroe, Haniger shall be 32 years outdated and is coming off a season during which he performed simply 57 video games as a result of a excessive ankle sprain. Injuries have been a problem lately, however that would enable the Red Sox to get the right-handed energy bat they want at a reduced charge. MLB Trade Rumors initiatives a three-year, $39-million deal for Haniger, who seems to be like a good backup possibility after the Sox did not signal Jose Abreu.
3. Bryan Reynolds
Just in time for chaos on the Winter Meetings, Reynolds put a dent into the Pirates offseason plans when his agent advised the Ben Cherington-led crew that he wished to be traded. The Pirates rapidly launched an announcement saying that Reynolds’ request would haven’t any influence on their roster-building, although it all the time makes it harder to commerce a participant after he requests one. Teams know the Pirates have an sad star heart fielder and would possibly wish to capitalize, because the 27-year-old has been one of many recreation’s finest outfielders and nonetheless has 4 years of crew management remaining. Will Chaim Bloom lastly deal prospects for a star? This is the man to do it for, as his .842 OPS since coming into the league in 2019 ranks second solely to Mike Trout amongst MLB heart fielders. One method or one other, the Sox want an outfielder to go together with Kiké Hernandez and Alex Verdugo.
4. Kodai Senga
The modern-day Red Sox love a cut price with upside, and worldwide gamers provide an incredible likelihood at simply that. Senga, who shall be 30 when the season begins, has been probably the greatest pitchers in Japan over his 11 skilled years. He has a profession 2.42 ERA with 10 strikeouts per 9 innings, numbers that might be elite within the majors however translate to a mid-rotation starter whereas coming from abroad. Still, with a high-90s fastball and dynamite splitter, the Sox might be enticed to get to the projected five-year, $75-million contract for Senga, who has top-of-the-rotation upside.
5. Brandon Nimmo
Nimmo’s free company represents a barometer for the 2022 Red Sox: are they severe about contending subsequent yr or solely concerned about gamers who might be bargains with an opportunity at upside in future years? Nimmo, who shall be 30 on Opening Day, is the perfect outfielder not named Aaron Judge on the free agent market this yr. He’s an on-base machine who has been an elite leadoff hitter, one thing the Red Sox must be determined so as to add primarily based on their pathetic .312 on-base proportion out of the leadoff spot since Mookie Betts left city. Nimmo is an efficient outfielder who can play heart, left or proper, and he hits left-handed, giving the Sox extra safety if Rafael Devers isn’t wholesome or departs after 2023. But Nimmo is predicted to command 5 years, $110 million, which might make him the second-highest paid participant on Bloom’s payroll. Are the Red Sox severe about contending? Pay consideration to the Nimmo market.
Source: www.bostonherald.com