Willson Contreras a fit for the Red Sox after missing out on Jose Abreu?
On Monday, the Houston Astros signed free agent slugger Jose Abreu to a three-year, $60 million deal. Boston was rumored to have been linked heavily to the Abreu with the hopes of adding his power bat to the lineup.
Instead, he opted to join the defending World Series champions leaving the Red Sox looking for a new option in the lineup.
On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden wrote a piece listing free agent fits for all 30 MLB teams. Bowden links the Red Sox to Cubs free agent catcher Willson Contreras.
“The Red Sox missed out on first baseman José Abreu and they need another bat. I think Contreras would be a good fit because he could catch, be the designated hitter and even play some first base for Boston. Contreras, 30, posted a 3.9 WAR last season, according to Baseball Reference, with 22 home runs and a 128 OPS+ for the Cubs.”
The former Cubs catcher could provide protection behind the plate if the front office elects to move forward with Connor Wong and Reese McGuire. Both played well to end the regular season, but the verdict is still out on what both catchers will look like over the course of a full season.
Chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom has stated that the club has intentions of upgrading the catching position. The Red Sox are looking for someone who can lead the pitching staff.
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"Increasingly in the game -- and we certainly feel this -- the ability to handle the pitching staff is so important," said Bloom at the GM Meetings. "Now, that doesn't mean there's only one way to get value at the position, but it's certainly something we value, and I think we have a staff that can really take advantage of somebody who's invested in that aspect of the game."
Contreras offers the Red Sox some versatility on the field. Besides setting up shop behind the dish, he can play some first base, be the club’s designated hitter and possibly play some left field.
The Astros are also considering Contreras this offseason. Houston has reportedly expressed interest in the veteran to catch and as be an option at designated hitter, first base and left field.
Last season, the 30-year-old played in 113 games slashing .243/.349/.466, with 22 homers, 55 RBIs and four stolen bags while posting a 128 OPS+ and a 3.3fWAR.
The three-time All-Star will not come at a cheap price point, but then again the Red Sox and the rest of the league will not find deals with the top free agents.
Boston needs to replace multiple holes on the roster and with the Winter Meeting less than a week away, Bloom should be adding talent to the roster.
Contreras’ bat would play at Fenway Park and fit nicely in the Red Sox lineup. His bat looks even better with Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers and Trevor Story around him. Boston needs premium talent for their lineup. Bloom understands what needs to be done to build this roster, the question remains if he will get uncomfortable to do it.
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