Boston Red Sox May Not Have Full-Time DH Next Season
By Nick Fustor
With David Ortiz gone, the Boston Red Sox reportedly may not utilize a full-time designated hitter next season.
Now that David Ortiz is officially retired, the Boston Red Sox lost one of the most important figures in franchise history – and the best designated hitter in baseball.
Replacing his production at the plate – .315/.401/.620 slash line with 38 home runs and 127 RBI – will be a top priority for President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski this offseason, but it clearly won’t be easy. Rob Bradford of WEEI reported that both Dombrowski and manager John Farrell were non-committal when discussing the Red Sox’ plan at DH next season.
In recent years, many American League teams have shifted away from utilizing a full-time DH, so it’s very possible that the Red Sox will slot players into the role depending on the matchup. With Hanley Ramirez, Travis Shaw, Pablo Sandoval, Yoan Moncada and Sam Travis available as options in the infield, the Sox aren’t short on options. But it’s hard to see that combination of players replicating the dominance of Ortiz and filling a void in the heart of the Red Sox lineup.
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Bradford noted that only five AL teams had players that appeared in more than 100 games at DH, with Ortiz playing in 140 and Nelson Cruz playing in 107. But Cruz shifted between the outfield and DH, while players like Edwin Encarnacion and Carlos Santana did the same at first base.
With Encarnacion a free agent to-be, the Sox will likely set their sights on him. This past season with the Toronto Blue Jays, the 33-year-old had an OPS of .886 while slugging 42 homers and driving in 127 runs. More importantly, Encarnacion can play first base – which means he and Ramirez could flip-flop between the positions on a day-to-day basis.
At this point, however, Farrell said the Sox have no real indication as to what will happen this offseason.
"“If that one guy hits 38 home runs and drives in 130, you’ll take that full-time DH,” Farrell said. “I think anything that you talk roster-wise, these are all discussions that are yet to be had. You really have no idea who’s available in terms of adding to your roster at this point in time of the season. I don’t know that that hitter exists right now, to be honest with you.”"
Shifting Ramirez to DH full-time is an option, as he thrived at the plate while in the role and has limitations defensively. However, his improvements at first base and hot streak down the stretch would indicate he’s the Sox top candidate to stay at first.
Aside from Encarnacion, other options are rather limited. Boston could target his teammate, Jose Bautista, but his struggles this season indicate he’s headed for a sharp decline. Carlos Beltran is an option, but he may come at a steep price. The team could look for a reunion with Mike Napoli, who hit 34 homers this season, but it’s hard to see him leaving Cleveland if they advance deep in the playoffs.
If the Red Sox get desperate, they can turn to Matt Holliday, assuming his option is declined, who still managed to hit 22 homers this year. Or, they can try their luck with Pedro Alvarez in hopes that his power translates to Fenway Park.
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But if no outside options are attractive enough for Boston, the team may very well depend on the resurgence of Pablo Sandoval and continued improvements from Yoan Moncada and Travis Shaw.