Red Sox Among Teams Who Will Spend Big On This Position, MLB Insider Says

After improving the pitching depth via the trade market, there’s reason to believe the Red Sox will spend their money on other needs this offseason.

ESPN’s MLB insider Jeff Passan believes Boston will do so on a free-agent slugger.

“What’s clear is that there’s a group of teams that will spend on a big bat,” Passan wrote Friday, name-dropping the Phillies, Red Sox and Blue Jays.

Passan noted Boston’s fortunes will be impacted by the Kyle Schwarber’s decision, and whether he signs with the Red Sox or takes his talents elsewhere. Multiple reports have surfaced noting the Red Sox showed interest in a reunion with Schwarber.

After Schwarber, Passan wrote, is a “second tier of hitters” including infielder Jorge Polanco, catcher J.T. Realmuto and Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. The Red Sox have been linked to both Realmuto and Okamoto in recent weeks.

The Red Sox on Thursday acquired right-hander Johan Oviedo from the Pirates after previously landing veteran Sonny Gray from the Cardinals.