NASHVILLE — The Winter Meetings are formally underway, and over the subsequent few days we should always see a flurry of exercise that may form the sport’s aggressive panorama for years to come back.
The Red Sox are anticipated to be energetic gamers and have quite a bit to get carried out, however whereas a blockbuster on the order of signing Shohei Ohtani is unlikely, there’s a lot extra to observe for. Here are 5 Red Sox storylines to observe because the motion heats up in Nashville.
Where will Turner land?
Justin Turner was arguably Boston’s most beneficial participant final season, significantly exceeding expectations on the plate whereas instantly establishing himself as an indispensable clubhouse chief. The Red Sox would like to have him again, however as a 39-year-old designated hitter who would restrict Boston’s positional versatility, he additionally presents drawbacks the membership should contemplate.
Will he find yourself re-signing? If so he’ll shore up the lineup and supply some readability for the way the group might look going ahead, but when not the Red Sox should pivot and determine whether or not they need a full-time DH in any respect or in the event that they’ll as a substitute cycle between Masataka Yoshida, Rafael Devers and Triston Casas.
Will Sox wait on Yamamoto?
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is arguably the highest beginning pitcher on the free agent market and the Red Sox are anticipated to make a powerful push to land the 25-year-old Japanese sensation. The hassle is Yamamoto’s representatives have indicated he received’t signal till after the Winter Meetings.
That presents Boston with some threat. They might wait on Yamamoto, however within the meantime they could miss out on among the different high starters like Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell. Then, if additionally they misplaced out on Yamamoto, they could discover themselves empty-handed and all of the sudden going through a closely depleted pitching market.
What’s Plan B?
Let’s say that worst case situation described above involves fruition, or even when the Red Sox do land a high starter in free company, what would possibly their subsequent transfer be then? Boston might select from two avenues to bolster its rotation, the subsequent tier of the free agent market or by means of a commerce.
Other free agent starters who could possibly be signed for extra average offers embrace Lucas Giolito, Eduardo Rodriguez, Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen. The huge fish believed to be on the commerce block embrace Chicago White Sox ace Dylan Cease, Tampa Bay’s Tyler Glasnow, Cleveland’s Shane Bieber and Milwaukee’s Corbin Burnes.
Could Verdugo be traded?
Alex Verdugo’s future with the franchise is shrouded in uncertainty, and if he and the Red Sox aren’t in a position to work out an extension, there’s a very good likelihood the outfielder could possibly be traded.
Is it potential that might occur this week? Absolutely, and Verdugo isn’t the one one. The Red Sox might additionally commerce one other outfielder, maybe promoting excessive on Jarren Duran or together with on-the-cusp prospects like Ceddanne Rafaela or Wilyer Abreu as a part of a blockbuster.
Unexpected reunions?
It looks like most if not all of Boston’s free brokers might be shifting on, with Turner remaining the most definitely candidate to return. But what if that seems to be improper? Could some surprising reunions nonetheless be in retailer?
Depending on how the Red Sox outfield shakes out, Adam Duvall nonetheless is smart as a power-hitting right-handed bat who might slot in at both middle or proper area. James Paxton may be a match if the worth is true, particularly with a full offseason to construct up after working out of steam this previous summer season.
Though he’s been gone longer, and experiences recommend that is unlikely, a reunion with Rodriguez, the previous Red Sox lefty, can also’t be dominated out.
Source: www.bostonherald.com