MLB Free Agency: Biggest Winners of the Offseason So Far
By Matt Meffe
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox were already a good team heading into 2016. The Sox had high expectations due to their youth, depth, and power lineup presence. Add a solid rotation featuring new Bostonian David Price to the equation, and the Red Sox were a team to watch in 2016. Their success led them to the postseason for the first time since their World Series victory in 2013.
Despite the hype, the Red Sox were blanked by the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS. The Red Sox were overpowered both offensively and on the mound by the Indians. As a result, the Sox looked to improve their weaknesses in the offseason, and they did just that.
First, the Red Sox traded for bullpen help following the losses of Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa by acquiring Tyler Thornburg from the Brewers. On the same day, the Sox made one of the biggest trades of the offseason by acquiring White Sox ace Chris Sale in exchange for Yoan Moncada and other prospects. Two days later, Boston improved defensively by signing Gold Glove winner Mitch Moreland to a one-year deal.
In the span of three days, the Red Sox improved in three major areas. Now, the Red Sox have established one of the better pitching rotations in the American League. The signing of Moreland gives the Sox options for the infield going into the 2017 season. Finally, the acquisition of Thornburg gives the Sox a suitable setup man for Craig Kimbrel.