As spring training commences, the Red Sox are still in search of new players to add to their team. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com, the Sox have actively been pursuing outfield options, particularly those who bat right-handed. It’s worth noting that Boston was not heavily involved in Jorge Soler’s market during his free agency before he signed with the Giants on a three-year deal.
Adding a right-handed outfield bat would be a sensible move for the Sox, as their current outfield lineup consists of three left-handed batters (Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Masataka Yoshida) and only one right-handed batter (Tyler O’Neill). Manager Alex Cora mentioned today that Yoshida will primarily serve as the designated hitter among the current outfielders, but he will also see some playing time in the field.
Prospect Ceddanne Rafaela will also have an opportunity to make the Opening Day roster and would bring a right-handed bat to the mix. However, it’s possible that he will start the season in Triple-A. Rafaela made his MLB debut last year but had a mediocre performance with a .241/.281/.386 slash line and a 31% strikeout rate in 89 plate appearances. Although he had an impressive showing in Triple-A, playing 48 games with a .312/.370/.618 slash line in 219 plate appearances, it’s still a relatively small sample size. He will need to prove himself in camp to secure a spot. If Rafaela does make the roster, Cora stated that he will be the primary center fielder due to his exceptional defensive skills.
Currently, the Red Sox have two right-handed outfield options on the bench: Rob Refsnyder and Bobby Dalbec. Refsnyder, a 32-year-old journeyman, has a strong track record against left-handed pitchers, boasting a .308/.428/.400 slash line in 145 plate appearances last season. Dalbec, 28, still has a minor league option available but has been considered a candidate for a change of scenery. As a former top infield prospect who lacks a clear role with the team, neither player has a strong reputation as a defender in the outfield.
If the Red Sox prefer to explore the free agent market, there are several right-handed bats available. Randal Grichuk, Michael A. Taylor, Tommy Pham, and Adam Duvall have yet to sign with any team. Pham and Duvall have recently played for the Red Sox, but they were acquired under the previous chief baseball officer, Chaim Bloom. All four players have experience playing in the outfield, although only Taylor is currently regarded as an above-average option in center field.
While none of the remaining free agents in this group are considered stars, they are all affordable and capable of filling specific roles on various teams. Consequently, the Red Sox face competition in signing any of them. The D-backs have shown interest in Grichuk, Pham, and Duvall as they search for a right-handed designated hitter to complement Joc Pederson. The Twins have been seeking a right-handed outfield bat for most of the offseason, with reported interest in Duvall and Taylor. The Phillies may also be in the market for an outfield bat following Brandon Marsh’s injury. Additionally, the Padres have considered reuniting with Pham.
Speaking of the Padres, it’s worth mentioning that they have reportedly expressed interest in a trade involving Duran. However, there is no indication that the two teams are close to reaching a deal. If the Red Sox were to add a free agent outfielder, it could potentially make the idea of trading Duran more appealing. However, Boston would likely prefer to receive MLB-ready pitching in such a trade, which could complicate matters as the Padres are also thin in that area.
According to Roster Resource, the Red Sox currently have a projected payroll of $177.5 million, with approximately $198 million in luxury tax considerations. This projection is more than $20 million lower than last year’s year-end payroll of around $199 million and significantly lower than the franchise-record $236 million set in 2019. In the past month, the Red Sox have been linked to Duvall, Pham, and first baseman/outfielder Garrett Cooper, who is reportedly close to making a decision in free agency.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com