When the Red Sox cleared the deck by sending Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford to the Dodgers for prospects last month, the team was obviously paring down to build for the future.
But by “future,” the Sox aren’t thinking a few years from now, when those prospects will turn into everyday regulars. The trade also cleared a massive amount of cap space, meaning the Red Sox can go big and grab some marquee free agents or pick and choose among versatile players to stock up the roster for next season.
While the free agent pitching market is particularly sparse, leaving the Sox better off swinging a trade or building from within, the help that Boston needs in the outfield can certainly be satisfied by free agents, if the team chooses to look around.
The biggest name by far is left fielder Josh Hamilton, who is coming off another fine year in Texas but brings questions of how he’d fare in the Boston market. The Sox will also have a hole in right field depending on the status of Cody Ross, meaning grabbing a veteran like Torii Hunter or Ichiro Suzuki could make a formidable platoon.
The Red Sox will also need to pin down a first baseman. James Loney came over in the Dodgers trade, but plenty of veterans are available this year. Boston could also be looking for backup help elsewhere in the infield.
With dollars to spend, the offseason looks promising for the Sox. Take a look at some of the players who could be headed to Beantown when the signings are complete.
Click here for the top free agent hitters the Red Sox could pursue >>
Click here for the top pitchers the Red Sox could go after this offseason>>
