Red Sox Stall on Reaching For Right-Handed Power

BOSTON, MA
Seven days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, the Boston Red Sox are still searching for their right-handed bats. Losing Tyler O’Neill to the Baltimore Orioles in free agency highlighted a glaring need for the Red Sox, but their lack of movement to fill it has become more frustrating with each passing day. According to sources, top Red Sox officials are delaying big-money signings, staying instead in a cautious wait-and-see mode.

“Agents representing prominent free-agent hitters have been hearing the same thing from Craig Breslow this offseason: He believes their prospects are going to be stars,” writes The Athletic’s Alex Abraham. “The Sox are banking on Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer to have a major impact this season and aren’t willing to go beyond short-term, team-friendly deals for free agent hitters.”

With Campbell as the only right-handed hitter in that trifecta of prospects, the responsibility put on these rookies seems daunting. Despite the potential of Campbell, Anthony, and Mayer, relying on unproven players to carry a major facet of the offense seems risky. Strength of character is tested and pays dividends, but the MLB is a different beast altogether.

Regrettably, the Red Sox have struggled to land impactful veteran players, resigning Marcus Walden and re-working a deal with Chris Sale. Despite that, they are hesitant to invest heavily in free agents. This strategy, however, puts them in the 13th spot in MLB spending at just $52.3 Million, lagging behind teams like the Los Angeles Angels, the Detroit Tigers, and the Orioles, all of whom have bolstered their rosters. BCS

The Red Sox have some decisions to make, and fast. Pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers, Florida on February 12th, leaving little time to rectify this right-handed hitting situation.