While it’s well-known the intentions of the Boston Red Sox front office, there is a good amount of talent out the door this offseason.
With changes brewing, what are the notable Red Sox free agents worth?
Rick Porcello
Rick Porcello has had an up-and-down career, but his most inconsistent years have definitely taken place during his tenure in Boston. During the 2019 season, he posted a 14-12 record, a 5.52 ERA with 143 strikeouts, 198 hits, and 32 home runs allowed on 174.1 innings pitched. He made a cool $21 million last season.
The free agency market is continuing to shape out, as players and teams still have decisions for player and team opt-outs. Names like Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg, Madison Bumgarner, and Zack Wheeler just to highlight a few. He will certainly find a new home within his price range that he wants. Or, the latter, where teams will spend all their money on front-line players, so he becomes the scraps before spring training. It will be interesting to see how his market unfolds, so keep an eye on him around the winter meetings.
Projected Contract: Three years, $28 million
Mitch Moreland
The 35-year-old first baseman has plenty left in the tank to help a contending team both defensively, and as a good pinch hitter. Last season he posted a .252 average with 19 homers, and 58 RBI. At one point in the early part of the season, he led the American League in homers, and go-ahead runs scored. He made a healthy $6.5 million last season, which should help keep teams interested. While the Red Sox have kept rather quiet about their strategy with Moreland, mark the Red Sox as a good bet to retain him.
Projected Contract: Two years, $11 million
Steve Pearce
The 2018 World Series MVP has a terrible 2019. After cashing in on a one-year, $6.25 million deal to stay with the club, his body never let him stay on the field. In only 29 games played last year, he hit .180, one homer, and nine RBI. There have been zero talks of potentially re-signing Pearce or any interest from other teams. There has been some chatter about retirement, but that remains to be seen. There is virtually no market.
Projected Contract: Retirement
Brock Holt
One of the most versatile players in the league, Brock Holt is a fan favorite. While he might not play in all 162 games, the fans treat him like a superstar. Holt will not get a mega deal by any means, but he will be paid. He has played in seven of the nine positions thus far in his career. His salary last season was a mere $3.575 million. He has had postseason cycles, walk-off hits, and plenty of trending videos, as well as efforts to the community. The tides have unfortunately been turned against his favor, as the team needs to shed salary. Plenty of teams should line up for the peak years that lay ahead of him. Look for a reunion a couple of years down the road. For now, let’s be glad he spent his time in Boston.
Projected Contract: Three years, $15 million
