The Boston Red Sox prioritized adding three significant pieces this offseason — an ace, a closer and a fourth outfielder — and they’ve already taken care of business.
So, what’s left for president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to accomplish this week at the Major League Baseball winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn.?
It’s a difficult question to answer, as Dombrowski himself said last week he doesn’t expect any more major moves. But that doesn’t mean the Red Sox aren’t keeping an open mind. If anything, Boston figures to be a resource for other teams looking for a starter.
“We’ve already fielded numerous phone calls from different organizations talking to us about our depth,” Dombrowski said Friday at David Price’s introductory press conference at Fenway Park. “We like our depth. We like our pitching staff. When you have a guy like David and then you start going down, it really changes the look of your staff. We’ll look to improve any way we can, but we’re open-minded.”
It’s possible Boston’s heavy lifting is done, which would be reasonable given the club already added Price, Craig Kimbrel and Chris Young to its talented, young nucleus. Just don’t sleep on the Sox this week. They could surprise people.
Let’s assess.
Needs
1. Bullpen help
The addition of Kimbrel gives the Red Sox a formidable back end of the bullpen, as Koji Uehara (eighth inning) and Junichi Tazawa (seventh inning) will slot in ahead of the four-time All-Star. The unit isn’t exactly complete, though, especially with the departure of Alexi Ogando, who logged 65 1/3 innings for Boston in 2015.
2. No. 2 or No. 3 starter
This is less of a priority now that Price has signed a seven-year, $217 million contract. As mentioned, the Red Sox actually have a surplus of starters that’s prompting other teams to call them. Six pitchers — Clay Buchholz, Rick Porcello, Wade Miley, Joe Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez and Henry Owens — are vying for four spots behind Price, with Brian Johnson and Steven Wright also very much part of the equation.
That said, the Red Sox still could add a starter while simultaneously trading one or more of their own starters. Several intriguing pitchers, including Shelby Miller and Tyson Ross, have been tossed in trade speculation and would represent an upgrade for Boston’s rotation.
“I do think there is trade potential,” Red Sox principal owner John Henry said Friday. “We have a lot of pitching and we have a lot of talent. We’re not going to trade away our core young players, but we might be able to get a core young pitcher.
“Dave is exploring a lot of other things. He’s well known as someone who’s not afraid to pull the trigger. Because of these young players, we’re in good shape — not just for this year, but going forward.”
3. First baseman?
This is contingent on what the Red Sox do with Hanley Ramirez. See below.
Three questions
1. Will the Red Sox keep Hanley Ramirez?
Dombrowski has been adamant Ramirez will open spring training as Boston’s first baseman, so perhaps we shouldn’t read too much into reports suggesting the Red Sox are shopping the three-time All-Star, especially since it’ll be difficult for them to find a dance partner based on Ramirez’s salary. It’s still a situation worth monitoring, however, as Ramirez’s 2015 season was a disaster.
The Red Sox, of course, have Travis Shaw waiting in the wings. And it’s worth noting that the first base market is relatively week outside of Chris Davis, who figures to land a contract in excess of $100 million.
2. How will the outfield shake out?
Right now, it looks like Boston’s starting outfield will consist of Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Rusney Castillo, with Chris Young and Brock Holt receiving playing time behind them. Just don’t etch it in stone, as Dombrowski still could use outside interest in his outfielders to make a splash.
3. Are the Red Sox done spending on free agents?
Signing Price put a huge dent into Boston’s bank account, obviously, and it’s possible the Red Sox will trade for any impact players they add before Opening Day. You just can never be quite sure given the way this offseason has played out. Even if the Red Sox don’t pursue any more big-name free agents, like Davis or starter Johnny Cueto, some bullpen help is obtainable on the open market.
Dream free-agent target: Johnny Cueto, SP
Don’t expect another huge press conference in the Royal Rooters Club. If the Red Sox land an impact starter, it almost certainly will be via the trade market. Cueto’s the type of pitcher that would further tip the scales in the American League East if placed alongside Price, though.
Dream trade target: Chris Sale, SP, Chicago White Sox
For all of the reasons mentioned about Cueto. Plus, Sale, who’s one of the game’s best pitchers at age 26, has arguably the most team-friendly contract in baseball.
Oakland Athletics ace Sonny Gray and Atlanta Braves hurler Shelby Miller are other names Red Sox fans can continue to fantasize about, while Sale’s teammate, Jose Quintana, is an intriguing alternative.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@IanMBrowne
