With the World Series about to get started the offseason looms right around the corner. If anyone watched the Red Sox this last season they know just how disgusting of a performance they put on day in and day out. They did however score the 4th overall draft pick by finishing in 27th in the whole MLB. Losing Chris Sale before the season started to Tommy John surgery was a big blow to the pitching rotation but that alone would not have helped the 2020 Red Sox. The players I believe will help the 2021 Red Sox not get booed off the field are:
5. Jackie Bradley Jr.
The Red Sox had the opportunity to get some value out of JBJ at this year’s trade deadline but ended up not pulling the trigger. Even though it was a shortened season Bradley hit a career high .283 average with 7 home runs and 22 runs batted in. Bradley is not known for his bat but for his play in the field. Pitchers feel more confident with JBJ roaming center field.
4. DJ LeMahieu:
DJ has had two phenomenal years with the New York Yankees which is why it’s hard to believe that he will be leaving the Bronx this upcoming offseason. LeMahieu is always a gold glove candidate at second base and with Dustin Pedroia’s career at the end of the tunnel the Red Sox need another sure handed second basemen. DJ is no bum when it comes to hitting either posting a career high .364 batting average at the end of the season. For the Sox to round out the infield they will need someone like LeMahieu.
3. Nelson Cruz:
Nelson Cruz may be 40 years young and coming to the end of his career but he has some pop left in his bat. Cruz posted a .303 batting average with 16 home runs this season. The reason this most likely will not pan out is because the Red Sox are suck with J.D. Martinez unless he opts out of his current contact which has 2yrs/$38.77 million remaining. After the season he had it is hard to believe that he will get another contract like that out of a team. Wishful thinking.
2. Jon Lester:
Lester has $25 million left on his contract and with old age showing and velocity slowing down it is hard to believe the Cubs will pick up that option and he will be free to walk. With what I just mentioned you are probably wondering why he would be a good fit for this rotation? Lester started in Boston and he wanted to stay in Boston but the old management screwed that up. He would fit well in the fourth or fifth slot in the rotation. Slow velo does not always mean the player is washed up. Lester will still be Lester by hitting his spots and not allowing any big innings.
1. Trevor Bauer:
Bauer will be hitting the market for the first time in his career and he is ready. Brauer will most likely walk away with the NL Cy Young award for best pitcher in the National League. Posting a 1.73 earned runs average this season Trevor Bauer will be the most sought out pitcher in free agency. The Red Sox luxury tax reset on August 31st of this season, meaning they do not owe the league any extra money, they should be able to make a huge splash in the market.
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