Red Sox have ‘poked around’ on three free agents
The Red Sox finally added a starting pitcher this winter by signing right-hander Lucas Giolito on a two-year, $38.5 million deal. Boston is now looking at other free agents to help deepen its roster for the 2024 season.
New chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been vocal on the team’s focus of upgrading the rotation. He is also looking at ways to add more pitching depth within the system, which means he could trade reliever John Schreiber or closer Kenley Jansen for more young pitching depth.
If the Red Sox were to move Schreiber or Jansen, Breslow could turn to reliever Robert Stephenson, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Stephenson spent last season between the Pirates and Rays. The 30-year-old was strong with Tampa Bay posting a 2.35 ERA with a 2.45 FIP in 38 1/3 innings of work.
Boston has reportedly poked around on free agent reliever Jordan Hicks, per league source.
The former Cardinals and Blue Jays flamethrower posted a 3.29 ERA with 81 strikeouts, 32 walks, .231 batting average and a 1.36 WHIP over 65 2/3 innings last season.
If Boston were to trade Jansen or Schreiber, Hicks would provide Boston solid depth at the back-end of the bullpen. The Red Sox aren’t the only team looking at the free agent hurler. The Yankees and his former club the Cardinals have shown interest in bringing him back. According to The Athletic, St. Louis almost signed Hicks to a three-year extension prior to being traded to Toronto at the deadline last season.
The 27-year-old is one of the game’s hardest throwers, offering a fastball that has hit 100 mph while mixing in a sinker and splitter respectively. Hicks has a history of injuries, having Tommy John surgery in 2019, he opted out of the shortened 2020 season and battled elbow and flexor issues in 2021 and 2022.
The Red Sox have also looked into free agent infielder Ahmed Rosario as a potential option to play second base, per Cotillo. Boston is looking for a short-term second base option at second base with prospects Marcelo Mayer and Nick Yorke climbing through the system.
Rosario hit .263/.305/.378 over 545 total PA with the Guardians and Dodgers in 2023. He struggled to turn his bat around with the Dodgers following the trade. MLB Trade Rumors projects Rosario to sign a two-year, $18 million deal this winter.
Boston remains connected to free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, per source. The addition of the slugger would provide the Red Sox another power bat from the right side. It would also allow the club to trade one of their young outfielders for a potential young starter.
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