The Boston Red Sox wrapped up their 2023 campaign on Sunday with a win and finished their 2023 season at 78 and 84 good for last place in the American League Eastern Division. Same as last season. The Red Sox are going to have to make some major moves this offseason to turn things around from their last place finish.
As of October 2nd, 2023, here is a list of notable free agents for 2023-24 from MLB.com:
Catcher: Travis d’Arnaud (club option), Mitch Garver, Yan Gomes (club option), Yasmani Grandal, Omar Narváez, Mike Zunino
First base: Joey Votto (club option), Rhys Hoskins, Max Muncy (club option), Josh Bell (opt-out), Brandon Belt, C.J. Cron, Eric Hosmer
Second base: Whit Merrifield (mutual option), Jorge Polanco (club option), Adam Frazier, Jon Berti (club option), Kolten Wong, Jonathan Schoop
Third base: Matt Chapman, Justin Turner (opt-out), Josh Donaldson (mutual option), Eduardo Escobar (club option), Evan Longoria, Brian Anderson, Gio Urshela, Joey Wendle
Shortstop: Tim Anderson (club option), Javier Báez (opt-out), Elvis Andrus, Brandon Crawford, Amed Rosario, Paul DeJong (club option), Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Adalberto Mondesi
Outfield: Cody Bellinger, Teoscar Hernández, Michael Conforto (opt-out), Joey Gallo, Kevin Kiermaier, Joc Pederson, Jorge Soler (opt-out), Harrison Bader, Andrew McCutchen, Charlie Blackmon, Michael Brantley, Tommy Pham, Mark Canha (club option), Adam Duvall, Randal Grichuk, David Peralta, AJ Pollock, Jurickson Profar, Hunter Renfroe, Robbie Grossman, Max Kepler (club option), Wil Myers, Victor Robles (club option), Eddie Rosario (club option), Michael A. Taylor, Jesse Winker
Designated hitter: Shohei Ohtani, J.D. Martinez, Trey Mancini (opt-out), Matt Carpenter, Nelson Cruz, Jesús Aguilar
Starting pitcher: Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Nola, Blake Snell, Julio Urías, Eduardo Rodriguez (opt-out), Lucas Giolito, Sonny Gray, Marcus Stroman (opt-out), Jordan Montgomery, Jack Flaherty, Lance Lynn (club option), Kenta Maeda, Charlie Morton (club option), Alex Cobb (club option), Kyle Hendricks (club option), Seth Lugo (player option), Rich Hill, Corey Kluber (club option), Hyun Jin Ryu, Luis Severino, Zack Greinke, Johnny Cueto (club option), Carlos Carrasco, Mike Clevinger (mutual option), Germán Márquez (club option), Wade Miley (mutual option), Noah Syndergaard, Michael Wacha (club and player options), Andrew Heaney (opt-out), Tyler Mahle, Sean Manaea (opt-out), Frankie Montas, Jake Odorizzi, Ross Stripling (opt-out), Alex Wood
Relief pitcher: Josh Hader, Liam Hendriks (club option), Aroldis Chapman, Craig Kimbrel, David Robertson, Jordan Hicks, José Alvarado, Adam Ottavino (player option), Blake Treinen, Andrew Chafin, Mark Melancon (mutual option), Matt Moore, Michael Fulmer, Luis García, Yimi García (club option), Chad Green (conditional player option), Héctor Neris (club option), Matt Barnes (club option), Anthony Bass, Dylan Floro, Daniel Hudson (club option), José Leclerc (club option), Alex Reyes (club option), Ryne Stanek, Hunter Strickland (club option), Kirby Yates (club option)
If those free agent options don’t move the needle for you, there are always trades to be made. Enjoy my list of Red Sox moves I’d like to see happen this offseason.
Add Dustin Pedroia to the Field Staff
Before the game, current Red Sox players and staff wore t-shirts with ‘Dustin’ on the front in Red Sox font. Here’s Pedroia with former teammate Alex Cora.
I can see a baseball world where Dustin Pedroia becomes manager of the Boston Red Sox so let’s start that process in the 2024 season. I think Pedroia has great communication skills, a good feel for the game in real time and would be an outstanding daily spokesman for the team.
Throughout his career, Pedroia was known for his exceptional defensive skills, agility, and strong work ethic. Standing at just 5 feet 9 inches tall, he defied expectations and became a key player for the Red Sox. Pedroia’s offensive contributions were equally impressive, as he consistently displayed a high batting average and a knack for getting on base.
Pedroia’s achievements include being named the American League Rookie of the Year in 2007 and winning the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2008. He was also a four-time Gold Glove Award winner and a four-time All-Star. Pedroia played a crucial role in helping the Red Sox win two World Series championships in 2007 and 2013.
Unfortunately, Pedroia’s career was plagued by injuries, particularly to his knee. Despite multiple surgeries and rehabilitation efforts, he was unable to make a full recovery and announced his retirement from professional baseball in February 2021.
Off the field, Pedroia was known for his leadership qualities and his dedication to the game. He was highly respected by teammates, coaches, and fans alike for his passion and commitment to the sport. Pedroia’s impact on the Red Sox organization and his contributions to the game of baseball will be remembered for years to come.
Trade Alex Verdugo
Apr 12, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Alex Verdugo (99) looks on against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning at Tropicana Field. Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Trading Outfielder Alex Verdugo should have happened at the trade deadline a few months ago but then Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom whiffed in a major way. I believe that Alex Cora wanted Verdugo gone and his CBO failed in making that happen. I really don’t care what the Red Sox get back for Verdugo because getting Verdugo out of Boston I believe is an addition by subtraction.
If you’re worried about who will play right field at Fenway Park, I feel the Red Sox have that covered with prospects Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu. Both can play all three outfield spots at a high defensive level and both have shown the ability to be major league hitters.
Sign Whit Merrifield
May 1, 2018, Boston, MA, USA: Kansas City Royals right fielder Jorge Soler is greeted by left fielder Alex Gordon and second baseman Whit Merrifield after hitting a three run home run during the 13th inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. (Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports)
Whit Merrifield has been an All-Star multiple times, he’s gotten MVP votes and he can play multiple positions on the diamond if needed. I would make him the Red Sox primary second baseman. In my world, having an up the middle of Wong, Story, Merrifield and Yelich would be top 5 in the American League.
If this were 5 years ago, this would be number 1 or 2 in the Majors and we’d be talking about 3 of the 4 getting MVP votes.
Sign Andrew Heaney
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Andrew Heaney #28 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the second inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on September 29, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
I’ve always been a fan of Andrew Heaney’s potential as a left handed starter who was a former top 10 draft pitch of the Miami Marlins in 2012. Heaney had a decent 2023 season working mostly as a starter with the Texas Rangers.
In my rotation, the 32-year-old would be the Red Sox’ 5th or 6th starter. If the Red Sox starting staff for 2024 was Brandon Woodruff or Corbin Burnes, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Brayan Bello, Chris Sale, Kutter Crawford and Heaney, if healthy, that’s pretty good.
Sign Shohei Ohtani
BOSTON, MA – MAY 5: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park on May 5, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
I’m in the dream phase of my wants for this Red Sox off season so who wouldn’t want to add Shohei Ohtani to their line up next year and their pitching staff in two years. Red Sox broadcasters seemingly want nothing to do with Ohtani, “where would you play him?”. DH. Feels pretty simple to me. I do look forward to broadcasters and writers being critical of the Red Sox should they sign Ohtani this offseason.
Ohtani made his debut in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league in Japan in 2013, where he quickly gained attention for his powerful pitching arm and impressive batting abilities. In 2017, he made the decision to join MLB and signed with the Los Angeles Angels.
As a pitcher, Ohtani possesses a blazing fastball and a wide array of off-speed pitches, making him a formidable force on the mound. He has the ability to reach triple-digit speeds with his fastball and has recorded numerous strikeouts throughout his career.
In addition to his pitching prowess, Ohtani is also an exceptional hitter. He possesses incredible power and has the ability to hit for both average and distance. Ohtani’s unique two-way skills have earned him the nickname “The Japanese Babe Ruth,” drawing comparisons to the legendary baseball player.
Despite facing some injury setbacks in his MLB career, Ohtani has continued to impress with his performances on both sides of the game. His versatility and talent have made him a fan favorite and a highly sought-after player in the league. Ohtani’s impact on the game of baseball has been significant, and he continues to captivate audiences with his extraordinary abilities.
Trade for SS Bobby Witt Jr.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 04: Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of the Kansas City Royals reaches first base for a single as Eric Hosmer #35 of the Boston Red Sox tries to field the ball in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium on August 04, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Yeah, I know, it won’t happen but let me dream for a few minutes of turning Marcelo Mayer and prospects into an MVP candidate and someone who could be the Red Sox shortstop for the next 10 seasons.
For those who don’t know, Bobby Witt Jr. was selected as the second overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. Witt Jr. is primarily a shortstop but has also showcased his versatility by playing other positions in the infield. He possesses exceptional athleticism, a strong arm, and excellent defensive skills, making him a standout player in the field. Offensively, Witt Jr. is known for his power-hitting ability, impressive bat speed, and overall offensive prowess.
Before joining the Royals organization, Witt Jr. gained recognition for his outstanding performance in high school. He was named the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year in 2019, solidifying his status as one of the top prospects in the country.
Since joining the Royals, Witt Jr. has continued to impress with his skills and potential. He has showcased his abilities in various minor league levels, displaying a combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess. With his exceptional talent and dedication to the game, Bobby Witt Jr. is a franchise player in Major League Baseball.
