Christmas time comes but once a year and the only thing hotter than the chestnuts roasting or hot chocolate is the MLB’s hot stove.
The Red Sox are coming off a tough season in 2012 with a last-place finish in the American League East and 93 losses, making it a rather forgettable summer. But with the offseason comes new life and a few big-name free agents could change the tune of Red Sox Nation.
In honor of Christmas at Fenway, NESN Daily wants to know which free agent is at the top of your Red Sox wish list this holiday season?
Leading the list of free agents is the versatile former Yankee, Nick Swisher. Swisher has spent the last four seasons with the Yanks, hitting .268 with 105 home runs and 349 RBIs in that span. He can play both right field and first base, both big needs for the Red Sox this offseason.
Next up is Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton. The golden goose of this free-agent class, Hamilton will likely cost a pretty penny to pick up this offseason and would be a splashy pick up for the Red Sox. A power-hitting outfielder, Hamilton hit a career-high 43 home runs this season with 128 RBIs in 148 games for the Rangers.
Another Ranger joining Hamilton on this wish list comes in the form of catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli. Coming off two great offensive seasons in Texas, Napoli has been at the top of many Red Sox fans’ lists due to all of the success he has had against the Red Sox. Conventional wisdom says that joining the Red Sox makes sense for the 81 games per year at Fenway Park.
The one other glaring need for the Red Sox this offseason is in the starting rotation. Zack Greinke is the biggest fish in the pitching pond this offseason and while he might command a record contract, adding someone with his ability to a rotation that already has frontline talent like Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz would make the Red Sox’ staff one of the best in baseball heading into 2013.
Of these four players, which one would you most want to find waiting under your tree on Christmas morning?
