MLB Insider Details Expectations For Red Sox’s Next Move

The Boston Red Sox have made their big offseason moves via trades, but an insider doesn’t think they should continue that approach.

Boston landed a notable lineup upgrade when acquiring Willson Contreras. The Red Sox also landed starting pitcher Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals, and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported that they’ve discussed another deal with the National League club for Brendan Donovan.

However, Rosenthal doesn’t believe Boston will make that third trade with former Red Sox executive Chaim Bloom. The insider explained Tuesday on “Foul Territory” why the Red Sox should set their sights on free agency to target another position player such as Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette.

“You can’t keep trading from your system, and Brendan Donovan would cost more in prospects than Contreras or Gray did,” Rosenthal said. “So I expect — and I’ve written — that their next move should be a big free-agent hitter. Whether it’s Bregman or Bichette, even someone else.”

The Red Sox also sent top prospect Jhostynxon García to the Pittsburgh Pirates to acquire starting pitcher Johan Oviedo. Rosenthal thinks they should avoid moving more young talent and instead tackle the open market for another impact hitter.

“That is the way they should go at this point because, again, they’ve traded enough from their system where they would probably be better suited to make a free-agent signing,” he said.

Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow called it a “priority” to acquire another big batter, but he wouldn’t limit the search to free agency or another trade.