Now the World Series is over, it is time for every team to start building their rosters to make a run in 2018. Here are some moves the Boston Red Sox should make to make another run for the Fall Classic.
1) Sign Eric Hosmer. He’s the best option for a club that needs improvement at the first base position. Mitch Moreland held his own last year, but he is only signed on a one-year contract. The team needs an upgrade and Hosmer is a perfect fit. Coming off a career year with a slash line of a 318. batting average (BA), with 25 home runs and 94 runs batted in. Hosmer recently won his fourth gold glove to add to his stellar year. He holds a career .354 BA in 24 games at Fenway. Hosmer is durable too, for he has eclipsed the 125 games played each year since his rookie season in 2011. Hosmer has only missed eight games in the last three years. Reports say the 28-year-old will be seeking a contract in the $200 million range. Maybe the appeal of playing for a team like the Red Sox, already loaded with young talent can knock the price down a little. Either the way they need to pull the trigger on him, he’s what they need.
2) Sign a solid right handed pitcher. Jake Arrieta and Yu Darvish are the most appealing options when it comes to this. Arrieta seems more likely to me given his past experience in the AL East. As of right now though, neither have been linked to Boston. The Red Sox need another right hander though. Four of their five projected pitchers for next year are lefties. With Porcello’s inconsistency in his first three seasons, it’d be nice for the Sox to have a more reliable arm in their staff. Moving pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez is their best bet.
3) Have a backup plan if Hosmer deal falls through. JD Martinez is one name that comes to mind, Carlos Santana’s is another. While signing Santana seems more ideal because of his ability to play first base, Martinez is the one I would want in a Sox uniform if Hosmer signs elsewhere. Although being a right fielder, Martinez would fill that void in terms of a power hitter. The 30-year-old is coming off a career year in which he blasted 45 home runs, drove in 104 runs and hit .303. Twenty-nine of his 45 homers came in the second half of the season as well. If the Sox can’t lure Martinez, than getting Santana is a must. Although he only has a career .249 batting average, he’s proved to be durable and consistent as player. He’s good for close to 20 home runs a year, and 75-80 runs batted in. He’s also played in at least 150 games the last five years.
