3 Free Agents Red Sox Should Sign Next Offseason After Saving Money With Mookie Betts Trade
By Michael Luciano
The Boston Red Sox did the nearly unthinkable, parting ways with one of the best players in baseball at any position in Mookie Betts in the name of financial flexibility. With Betts now a Los Angeles Dodger, the Red Sox will be free from the burden of giving Betts a humungous contract.
However, the money they could have used on the star slugger could be allocated elsewhere, like these three 2021 free agents.
3. Robbie Ray
Ray's ERA has increased ever year since he made the All-Star team in 2017, but he remains one of the premier strikeouts artists across all of baseball, and that enticing breaking ball is going to be enough for some team to give him a hefty contract. Ray is only 28 years old, and his best baseball could be ahead of him. Chris Sale is Boston's ace, but Eduardo Rodriguez is not a viable No. 2 starter. Ray would fill this need nicely.
2. Trevor Bauer
Bauer struggled in the NL upon his trade from the Cleveland Indians to the Cincinnati Reds, but that shouldn't hurt his free agent value. Bauer is only 29 and is one year removed from pitching to a 2.21 ERA and an MLB-best 2.44 FIP while allowing just nine home runs all year. If the Red Sox get even half of the pitcher that was so dominant with Cleveland, what could be an exorbitant price tag could look cost-effective when Bauer starts hurling shutouts.
1. George Springer
Why not move from the kings of sign stealing to the second best sign stealers in the league? Just kidding, guys. Springer, a Connecticut native, was an All-Star for the third time after crushing 39 home runs and driving in 96 runs despite playing in only 122 games. With plus defense, a consistent power bat, and years ahead of him considering he's only 30, Springer is the most logical choice to replace the offensive production provided by Betts and he won't cost nearly as much.