Red Sox Free Agent Target: Eddie Rosario
The Red Sox made their first big splash of the off-season a few weeks ago by rehiring manager Alex Cora. But that’s not enough. They need some new blood in there. There have been talks about being interested in outfielders. One name that has surfaced is Eddie Rosario, formerly of the Minnesota Twins. I’m not going to lie, I like the creativity here. The interest is there, as Alex Cora and Rosario have a previous relationship.
Sources: #RedSox have some interest in the non-tendered Eddie Rosario, although he likely would need to handle Fenway's difficult RF. Alex Cora, as GM, selected Rosario for Team Puerto Rico at the 2017 @WBCBaseball.
Yes, I’ve turned a Hot Stove update into a WBC note. 😉 @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 3, 2020
So if the Red Sox would be able to pursue Rosario, that would mean a few things.
Bye-Bye Benintendi?
Andrew Benintendi had a horrific 2020 before he was gone due to injury. Honestly, this might bee the time to sell him. He’s an above average outfielder who can hit around .250 to .260 for you. There were talks that Benintendi has been in trade rumors before. This might be the off-season to do it. If Rosario was signed, this could make it easier for the Red Sox to look for a trade partner for Benintendi’s services.
Kris Bryant to Beantown?
Could Kris Bryant man left field for the Red Sox next season? 👀 https://t.co/iuJP9ERnhE
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) November 24, 2020
This to me feels a little bit like a pipe dream. I would LOVE Kris Bryant as a Red Sox next season. But it doesn’t look like the Cubs are going to non-tender him. This would mean the Red Sox would need to get REALLY creative. The Cubs look like they are going in a different direction. So why not try to entice the Cubs with Benintendi and a prospect or two to start? Bryant would be an amazing addition to an already solidified Red Sox lineup.
Anyone Remember JBJ?
Jackie Bradley Jr. to me looks as good as gone. He has interest from multiple other teams. The Houston Astros have been heavily linked to him throughout the off-season. With George Springer on his way out of Houston, JBJ could slide right into that Astros outfield. This would leave a big hole in the outfield defensively. Rosario could help in that aspect.
So What About Eddie Rosario?
Let’s get back to Eddie Rosario for a second. He’s a career .277 hitter with some pop in his bat. His speed is above average and can take care of center field. In three of his last four seasons, he has 155 hits or more in a given season. So honestly, this would be a pretty good option for the Red Sox as a whole.
In Conclusion
Eddie Rosario could be the start of something big here in Boston. Rosario, Verdugo, and potentially Kris Bryant in the same outfield. Yeah, sign me up for that! The connection is there with Alex Cora. Rosario needs a new team. The Red Sox need some reinforcements. This seems like a win-win for both sides involved. Let’s get to work, Chaim Bloom!
–Al Nahigian (@BigAl2793)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Feat. Image courtesy of twinsdaily.com/