3 Moves Red Sox Can Make to Guarantee Playoff Spot in Shortened Season

The Boston Red Sox missed the postseason in 2019 and even saw manager Alex Cora lose his job due to his role in the Houston Astros cheating scandal. Ron Roenicke is now the skipper, and the team will be without the likes of Mookie Betts, David Price, Rick Porcello, and Chris Sale in 2020. However, the Red Sox are still stocked with talent and a few moves can be made to ensure the team is back in the postseason during what will be a uniquely structured 2020 MLB season.

3. Add a Fifth Starter

The Boston Red Sox are without several key pitchers in 2020. / Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

Chris Sale underwent Tommy John surgery in March, and that left the Red Sox rotation rather thin. Eduardo Rodriguez assumes the No. 1 role, and up next figures to be Nathan Eovaldi. Martin Perez and Collin McHugh joined the team this offseason, but the next guy in line may have to be Ryan Weber. He lacks experience and McHugh is injured, leaving uncomfortable lingering questions for Roenicke and Co. to answer. The Red Sox can answer those by adding a pitcher like Clay Buchholz or Marco Estrada to add experience to the group. These are low-risk moves that would also be incredibly cheap.

2. Keep Dustin Pedroia Around as a Mentor

Dustin Pedroia can help the Boston Red Sox from the dugout. / Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Dustin Pedroia is under contract for two more seasons, but his career is all but over. He has appeared in a total of nine games over the past two seasons, and is already dealing with setbacks in 2020. His best role now is to essentially serve as a coach this season with the team. He can mentor a young player like Jeter Downs and provide his unique insight on opposing pitchers and teams. Pedroia is set to earn over $10 million this year so the team should get some value out it and approach him with a compelling pitch for a special kind of role.

1. Give Jeter Downs Some ABs

Boston Red Sox prospect Jeter Downs needs some playing time in 2020. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Jeter Downs joined the organization as part of the Betts trade and immediately became the top prospect in town. The Red Sox should carry him on the roster all year, and not just because a minor league season is unlikely. The young infielder flashed power in 2019 with 24 home runs and also sported a .362 on-base percentage. The MLB scouting reports on him are likely not complete, however, so he can serve as a weapon off the bench that teams won't know how to prepare for. He could also learn a ton from Pedroia and get an early start in being a part of the new young core in Boston.