Three Free Agents the Boston Red Sox Should Sign

After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015, the Boston Red Sox need to address their weaknesses in free agency.

The Boston Red Sox disappointed in 2019. Plain and simple.

After missing the playoffs and finishing with an 84-78 record , only good enough for third in the American League East, it is safe to say this season was a poor response to last year’s World Series championship.

Mookie Betts and Xander Boegarts both had great years once again. Rafael Devers improved greatly and performed at an elite level for the first time in his career.

However, Andrew Benintendi had the worst season of his major league career. Chris Sale posted a 4.40 ERA through just 25 starts after signing a five-year, $145 million extension last offseason.

They let Craig Kimbrel remain unsigned and definitely suffered the repercussions. The Red Sox bullpen combined to blow 31 saves in 2019. Their bullpen has the ninth worst ERA in the American League.

Last Winter, their front office ignored multiple holes, the bullpen being the biggest. They let Kimbrel and Joe Kelley walk and did not go after another late inning reliever.
Besides having a weak bullpen, the team could use a few more bats to strengthen their lineup.

However, the Boston Red Sox have hired Chaim Bloom, former Senior Vice President of Baseball Operation for the Tampa Bay Rays,  to be their Chief Baseball Officer and he is ready to make an impact this offseason. Here are three realistic signings that the Red Sox could make this offseason.

Will Harris, RHP, HOU

Will Harris had a brilliant year for the Houston Astros. Over 60 inning, he struck out 62 batters, while posting a 0.93 WHIP and 1.50 ERA. He held 26 games and saved four for Houston. The 2016 All-Star was one of the more dominant relievers in the American League.

He would be a great fit for the Boston Red Sox. Harris will be 35 next season. He made $4.23 million during his final year of arbitration, meaning Boston could realistically sign him to a two-year deal, totaling less than $15 million.

This postseason, Harris has proved that he can be trusted during big spots. He has been beyond valuable during their October run. Over nine innings through 10 games, Harris has yet to allow an earned run this postseason.

The Red Sox do not seem willing to spend huge amount of money on relievers. An older guy like Harris may make more sense. There will be a big market for Harris, but Boston does seem like a possible landing spot since they just missed the postseason and Harris could fill right into a late-reliever role.

He would make a huge impact and benefit the Red Sox as a setup man or as their closer. Boston should definitely pursue Harris if he is not re-signed by the Houston Astros.

Scooter Gennett, 2B, FA 

Scooter Gennett could be the “bang for your buck” signing of this offseason.

Gennett has been a free agent since the San Francisco Giants released him, less than a month after acquiring him from the Cincinnati Reds.

2019 was an abysmal season for Gennett. After starting the year on the Injured List due to a severely strained groin, he only hit .217 for the Reds, with no home runs and only five RBIs through 22 games.

Through 21 games for the Giants, he hit two home runs, recorded 6 RBI and hit .234.

However, Gennett was an Al-Star in 2018 and has a strong 2017 season as well. Over 295 games in 2017-2018, the second baseman hit 50 home runs, drove in 189 runs, hit .303 and posted an .859 OPS.

He can potentially be a big producer for the Red Sox at second. With the most likely departure of Brock Holt, the Red Sox are going to need another bat that can play second base.

Gennett will be inexpensive because of his injury-ridden and all around poor 2019. The Red Sox could probably sign Gennett to a one-year deal for less than $10 million.

The Boston Red Sox would be a good fit for him because he would be able to be in a playoff race and he would have an opportunity for a lot of at-bats to prove himself for a larger contract next offseason.