Carlos Beltran Among Top Five (Realistic) Targets For Red Sox At Winter Meetings

The Red Sox obviously would be much better with Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera and Chris Sale on their roster, but if we’re being honest, Boston might not be in the running for any of them.

That’s why we made a list of the Red Sox’s most realistic potential targets once Major League Baseball’s winter meetings kick off Monday.

Boston is in most desperate need of a designated hitter to replace the retired David Ortiz, a middle- or back-of-the-rotation starter and bullpen arms, and there still are some good options in a thin free-agent market. The Red Sox could look to give short-term deals to guys like outfielder/DH Carlos Beltran and starter Rich Hill as quick solutions until they can figure out a long-term plan.

Here are five realistic free agent targets for the Red Sox.