SS Carlos Correa
May 13, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) throws out Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) at first base in the third inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The Red Sox are one of a number of teams to be linked to Correa dating back to before the lockout. Xander Bogaerts is expected to exercise the opt-out in his contract after the 2022 season, and has said he’d be open to a position change as well. There’s a spot for Correa in Boston, and he’d be a major upgrade to what is already a formidable middle of the lineup for the Red Sox. Correa hit .279 with 26 home runs in 148 games in 2021.
3B/OF Kris Bryant
Sep 19, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Kris Bryant (23) hits a single during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
The Red Sox’s interest in Bryant reportedly dates back to the summer of 2020. While the roster looks significantly different now than it did then, the team could use another bat in the outfield. Bryant’s positional versatility could allow the team to be flexible with their infield alignments as well. After a rough 2020, Bryant bounced back with an All-Star season in 2021 hitting .265 with 25 home runs and 73 RBIs in 144 games between the Cubs and Giants.
OF Nick Castellanos
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Nick Castellanos (2) hits a home run in the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
If the Red Sox want an outfield bat with some pop – and are willing to spend – Castellanos could be the guy. The former Cincinnati Red made his first All-Star game in 2021, with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs while hitting .309 in 138 games. The Red Sox could use a right-handed bat in the outfield with Alex Verdugo, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Jarren Duran all lefties.
SP Carlos Rodón
Aug 7, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) delivers against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
We’re swinging big here. Rodón may be the top starting pitcher on the market at just 29 years old and coming off a season where he recorded a 2.37 ERA with 185 strikeouts in 24 starts for the White Sox. His addition would be a bit more than just ’rounding out the rotation,’ but those are the kinds of moves big market teams make.
RP Kenley Jansen
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 22: Kenley Jansen #74 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on from the mound during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on July 22, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
While Rodón could be the top starter in the market, Jansen may be the top bullpen arm. Although he was inconsistent at times, the 34-year-old was impressive overall in 2021 posting a 2.22 ERA and 1.043 WHIP in 69 appearances for the Dodgers. The Red Sox need to strengthen the back end of their bullpen, especially if they plan to move Garrett Whitlock to the starting rotation. Jansen could be an option – albeit an expensive one.
SP Johnny Cueto
Jun 6, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) pitches the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Cueto wouldn’t be as splashy of a signing as some of the other players on this list, but he’d add a capable veteran arm to the back end of the rotation. Last season with the Giants, he made 22 starts going 7-7 with a 4.08 ERA.
RP Archie Bradley
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Archie Bradley #23 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the eighth inning during a game against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park on September 15, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 6-5. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
Bradley could be another back end of the bullpen option for the Red Sox, and has experience pitching both as a setup man and closer. Last year for the Phillies, the 29-year-old made 53 appearances in middle relief and had a 3.71 ERA.
OF Eddie Rosario
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 31: Eddie Rosario #8 of the Atlanta Braves catches a fly ball against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning in Game Five of the World Series at Truist Park on October 31, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Zarrilli/Getty Images)
The Red Sox reportedly checked in on Rosario in free agency last winter. Instead, he signed in Cleveland then was dealt to the Atlanta Braves at the deadline. In 111 games, the lefty ended up hitting .259 with 14 home runs and 62 RBIs.
OF Jorge Soler
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 23: Jorge Soler #12 of the Atlanta Braves hits a double during the eighth inning of Game Six of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on October 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Back to right-handed hitting outfielders, Soler could be a fit in Boston. He was also traded from an AL Central team (Royals) to the Braves last year, and over the course of the season hit .223 with 27 home runs and 70 RBIs.
