Red Sox spring training is around the corner, but Boston isn’t done making moves.
Alex Bregman remains the top free agent on the market, and Nolan Arenado is still available through trade. The Red Sox are linked to both right-handed batters. However, they face competition that has dragged out the process.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow remains committed to improving the roster when he told MassLive on the “Fenway Rundown” that Boston wants to add a “difference-maker.” That doesn’t mean the Red Sox are locked in on one person.
“We’re open-minded,” Breslow said, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. “We’ve talked about versatility, we’ve talked about opportunities to improve infield defense. We do feel like we have a very strong outfield defense but I think we’ll be open-minded. Ultimately, some of this — or a significant portion of this — is going to be driven by balancing the lineup and the damage that can be done in the right side of the batter’s box.”
However, the Red Sox aren’t just looking for a right-handed bat. Boston improved its rotation after trading for Garrett Crochet and signing Walker Buehler. The bullpen is expected to get a boost through offseason additions and returning players, but one more pitcher could help provide a further boost.
Story continues below advertisement
“We’re still actively engaged in conversations around enhancing the bullpen,” Breslow said. “I think we have a number of guys who have accomplished quite a bit in relief roles … Our hope is that over time, we can field the bullpen from homegrown pitchers. But right now, we’re not quite there yet. If the opportunity exists to bring in someone who enhances that back end, particularly someone who can provide leverage innings, we’re definitely gonna be open to that pursuit.”
Breslow acknowledged the critiques about offseason spending but noted that he and the front office are working hard to make sure the Red Sox put out the best lineup possible for the season. They’ll still have time as Bregman and Arenado continue to weigh their options.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
