Red Sox expressing interest in Rockies first baseman C.J. Cron?
The Red Sox are in a weird spot after dropping seven of their last 10 games. After an impressive June, July has not treated Boston as kindly. After being swept in four games by the Rays and being blown out of the water by the Yankees this weekend, the Sox have decisions to make.
As currently constructed this Red Sox team is not a viable playoff contender. The Sox are two games out of the final Wild Card spot. During the All-Star break, chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom must decide whether he’ll double down on this roster and add pieces or begin to subtract.
Whatever Boston decides to do, one thing is for certain, first base must be addressed. Franchy Cordero and Bobby Dalbec have been both abysmal offensively. The two players lack of production is hurting this lineup on a daily basis.
In 252 plate appearances, Dalbec has struck out 79 times or 31.1% of the time. Cordero hasn’t been much better, striking out 70 times or 32.4 %in 191 plate appearances.
The Red Sox have to upgrade the position. Top first base prospect Triston Casas isn’t ready for a promotion. He is battling back from an ankle injury that has left sidelined for weeks.
The media has had Washington Nationals slugger Josh Bell connected to the Sox. However, the market will be competitive for Bell as the Mets have reportedly expressed interest, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Boston could look to the Colorado Rockies and acquire C.J. Cron who is having a great season. The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham reports, ““it seems incumbent on (chief baseball officer Chaim) Bloom to trade for a major league first baseman — Josh Bell or C.J. Cron? — to stabilize the infield defense and make the lineup tougher to face, It’s a cavernous hole that needs to be filled.”
In 90 games this season, Cron is hitting .298 with 21 homers, 69 RBIs, 55 runs scored, .902 OPS and a 134 wRC+.
Cron would immediately solve the need at first, immediately be an upgrade over Dalbec and Cordero and the Sox would lengthen their lineup.
While the Sox are at it, they could expand on the deal and acquire a right-handed bullpen arm. Daniel Bard or Alex Colome would both be great additions. Bard holds more of a sentimental value since he began his career with the Sox.
Whatever happens, the Sox must upgrade first base. The lack of performance they’re getting from Dalbec and Cordero is embarrassing. If Boston wants to get serious about the playoffs they need to get a power hitting first baseman, jettison Cordero and Dalbec and find a reliever. While you’re at it, explore the starting pitcher market because Chris Sale’s latest injury is a massive setback.
Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisHenrique
For additional Red Sox and Major League Baseball content, follow Beyond the Monster: Boston Red Sox on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.