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3 players for Boston Red Sox to target this offseason

By David Hill |
Oct 5, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) waves to the crowd while leaving the game during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) waves to the crowd while leaving the game during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
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The Boston Red Sox find themselves at a crossroads.

They have several key players set to enter free agency this offseason, including players that were key parts of their last World Series team back in 2018. Meanwhile, they have holes throughout the roster, with major questions in the rotation, bullpen, and behind the plate. That last place finish in 2022 may not be an aberration if they cannot fix the roster.

Three players Boston Red Sox should target

Chaim Bloom clearly has a lot of work cut out for himself. He may need to remake the roster on the fly, spending in free agency or looking to the trade market to bring in the pieces needed to contend in what will be a difficult AL East. His successes or failures this offseason could determine the Red Sox fate for the foreseeable future.

The Boston Red Sox have a lot of work to do this offseason as they look to contend once more. Here are three players they should target.

Xander Bogaerts

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first.

The Boston Red Sox have made it clear that Xander Bogaerts is their top priority heading into the postseason. Although they have been looking to sign him to a long term extension since spring training, there has not been any traction in those talks. That includes the days since the season came to an end.

Bogaerts will easily be one of the top players available in free agency. He posted an excellent .307/.377/.456 batting line in his 631 plate appearances, hitting 15 homers and 38 doubles. He even improved defensively as his four runs saved at short were the best of his career.

In theory, the Red Sox have his replacement already on the roster. Trevor Story was an excellent defensive shortstop before signing to play second base in Boston. He could slide over to short and leave second base open for Jeter Downs to get a chance. However, given what Bogaerts means to the other players and the locker room, such a move could be a disaster.

The Boston Red Sox need to bring Xander Bogaerts back. While they clearly recognize what he means to the organization, they have yet to step up with an offer he would consider.

Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Bassitt

The Boston Red Sox starting rotation is a series of question marks. Nick Pivetta will be a part of the rotation, but from there? Chris Sale and James Paxton cannot stay healthy, the Red Sox have yet to figure out what to do with Garret Whitlock or Tanner Houck, and they are talking to Rich Hill about a return for 2023. That is not a collection of starters that would portend success in 2023.

This would leave the Red Sox with a rotation with clear needs. Not only would they need another top of the rotation arm, but they would also need someone who can eat innings and take the ball every fifth day without issue.

Chris Bassitt would be that pitcher. While he may not be a staff ace, he is a solid second option on a pitching staff, someone who can help solidify the rotation. He posted a 3.42 ERA and a 1.145 WHiP over his 181.2 innings last season, striking out 167 batters with 49 walks. That type of performance would certainly play up in the Red Sox rotation.

He has also been durable since slotting into the rotation back in 2019. The only time he missed came in 2021 when he was struck in the face by a line drive, necessitating surgery for a fractured cheekbone and stitches due to a cut where he was hit. Even then, he came back just over a month later to try to push the A’s to a postseason berth. There is no questioning his toughness or desire to win.

The Boston Red Sox need to add another piece to their rotation. Chris Bassitt would be a step in that direction.

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Sean Murphy

The Boston Red Sox already showed interest in Sean Murphy. Those talks should be revisited this offseason.

The Red Sox knew they needed to find a replacement when Christian Vazquez was sent to Houston. They had begun talks with the A’s regarding Murphy, a player made expendable due to his impending journey into arbitration and to prospect Shea Langeliers being ready for the majors. While nothing happened before the deadline, those talks were expected to pick back up when the 2022 campaign came to an end.

Murphy would be a perfect fit behind the plate. He posted a .250/.332/.426 batting line in his 612 plate appearances, hitting 18 homers and 37 doubles. The 2021 AL Gold Glove winner behind the plate, he was named as a finalist for the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards this season.

He would also provide more than a solid bat to the lineup. Murphy is a leader behind the dish, someone that can command the game and get the most out of a pitching staff. If the likes of Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez do leave, the Red Sox will have a significant leadership void amongst their position players. Murphy may not have that champion pedigree, but he can be the leader the Red Sox need.

The Boston Red Sox need a long term answer behind the plate. Sean Murphy would be their best option.

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