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Boston Red Sox: Offseason targets by position

By Matthew Lively

Sep 11, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox hat and gloves lay in the dugout at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox hat and gloves lay in the dugout at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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#5 Outfield Depth

Sep 23, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jon Jay (24) runs to third on a double by third baseman Carlos Asuaje (no tpictured) during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jon Jay (24) runs to third on a double by third baseman Carlos Asuaje (no tpictured) during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

The Red Sox had a major issue with their depth players this season. When Brock Holt didn’t perform in left field, it was given to Blake Swihart. He got hurt, followed by a Chris Young injury and then the Sox were out of options.

They dumped Rusney Castillo, and then had a revolving door of players. I don’t know about you, but Ryan LaMarre and Bryce Brentz don’t sound like Red Sox outfielders.

Options

My favorite guy is Jon Jay. He’s a seven-year vet who has played over 105 games in four seasons. He’s a career .287 hitter, can steal bases, and can start if you need him to. The thing Red Sox fans should like most about him? He can play all three positions, and that’s huge.

If they can’t land him, I would look at Danny Valencia. The A’s need a first baseman and the Red Sox need depth. Travis Shaw can fill the need. Shaw can really only play third or first, with spotty defense a below average offense. However, it’s an upgrade for the A’s. Valencia could be a utility man and had a career-best year in 2016.

Put one more outfielder with Chris Young, and the Red Sox shouldn’t have issues in the outfield. Jon Jay will provide an outfielder who can play any position and hit, while Valencia can be a man of many talents. Depth is underrated, but players should be seen as important offseason targets.

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