Offseason Acqusitions Part. 1
Who the Red Sox have picked up and let go the past month
Well, since I last blogged on Dec. 9th, a lot and not a lot has happened simultaneously, if that makes sense. There are many questions and speculations surrounding some of the decisions that have been made regarding what this team is going to look like in the upcoming 2023 season. Chaim Bloom has made more than a few additions and claims he’s not done. I believe he stated they aimed to bring in 8-9 new guys to fill out the roster.
He first got Joely Rodriguez and Chris Martin, who by themselves significantly improves the bullpen. Rodriguez had a 3.23 ERA and a 10.2 K/9 while Martin had a 1.46 ERA in 24 and 2/3 innings with a 12.4 K/9.
New Red Sox lefty will be a crucial piece of bullpen
Another hole he filled is the closer position in Kenley Jansen. A position where the Red Sox haven’t had a named closer since Craig Kimbrel in 2018. After spending one season in Atlanta after serving his entire career in L.A., Jansen put up pretty good numbers. He pitched to a 3.38 ERA in 64 innings with a 12.0 K/9. The signing of Kenley definitely showed that we’re on the right track so far, in my opinion.
The largest splash of the offseason (unless they make a blockbuster trade) has been Masataka Yoshida of Japan. He’s played for the Orix Buffaloes of the Japanese professional League since 2016. His best season was this past, slashing .335/.447/.561 with a 1.008 OPS, 28 doubles, and 21 home runs. Personally, I’m really excited to see what he can bring to the table. From what I have read he’s a king of contact, and with him being a lefty with some power at Fenway, should result in some interesting opportunities for him. He’s projected to slot in left field with Kike Hernandez (granted he’s not moved to the infield) in centerfield, and Alex Verdugo in right. His defense is questionable, but I’m sure he will make up for it with his offense.
On Dec. 15th, Jeter Downs was designated for assignment to make room for Kenley Jansen. A once highly touted prospect and 1/3 of the return for Mookie Betts, never found his stride in the Red Sox minor league system. He never hit over .200 and only had an OPS above .750. The Nationals claimed him off waivers, and I hope he can be a part of what they are trying to build there in Washington. When Downs was called up this past season, his first and only home run came off of Gerrit Cole, which I find quite hilarious.
Follow Jaxon on Twitter @JaxonLahner
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
