At this time’s mailbag will get into offseason wants for the Crimson Sox, how the Cubs would possibly match Matt Shaw in, attainable suitors for Willy Adames, whether or not Jo Adell has turned a nook, and rather more.
Dave asks:
As a disgruntled Crimson Sox fan (largely resulting from John Henry pulling within the purse strings), what are the Crimson Sox’s greatest wants going into subsequent season? I feel as at all times the necessity for an additional innings eater within the rotation. Additionally curious as to if Duran was supplied as commerce, what kind of beginning pitching would he command? As free of charge brokers – I do not suppose the Sox will deliver again any of them. Though for the correct value perhaps Pivetta.
This is how the staff units up proper now:
That does not embody a quartet of highly-regarded place participant prospects: outfielder Roman Anthony, shortstop Marcelo Mayer, infielder/heart fielder Kristian Campbell, and catcher Kyle Teel. And naturally, Rafaela can play heart in addition to the center infield.
The Crimson Sox will want somebody to separate time at catcher with Wong till Teel is prepared, whether or not it is Danny Jansen or one other veteran. Second base has been a difficulty, with Grissom, Enmanuel Valdez, and David Hamilton getting the majority of the taking part in time there. With Mayer, Campbell, and Rafaela all choices there, I do not see a lot room for a veteran.
The outfield items can transfer round as nicely. Wilyer Abreu has had a superb rookie season, although he has not proven the power to hit left-handed pitching. That drawback prolonged even to Devers and Duran this yr. Of the prospects I discussed, solely Campbell bats right-handed. Baseball America touched on this concern lately.
Devers had a powerful yr, whereas Story’s contract calls for a beginning job. Yoshida, additionally well-paid, may not have that luxurious. The Crimson Sox signed Rafaela to a $50MM contract in April, however he actually hasn’t hit outdoors of July and is on monitor for a 1-WAR season. I am undecided the place he suits.
At 4.71 runs scored per sport, this has been a very good offense. That is regardless of giving common taking part in time to Rafaela. It additionally consists of huge contributions from Tyler O’Neill, who appears more likely to go away as a free agent, and Rob Refsnyder, who’s unlikely to repeat.
Given the flexibility and uncertainty round a number of of those gamers, there are loads of methods subsequent yr’s lineup can shake out. I’ve seen the concept of buying and selling Duran talked about right here and there. Duran, 28, shall be arbitration eligible for the primary of 4 instances in 2025 and is underneath management by means of 2028. He is break up his time between heart and left area in his breakout season, and performed each positions capably. He is one in every of baseball’s quickest gamers, his arm is powerful, and his Statcast hitting metrics are solidly crimson.
Duran is on monitor for a 7-WAR season that in a few years would make him an MVP frontrunner. He offered the majority of his offensive worth from June by means of August, throughout which he had a 168 wRC+. Duran has an 87 wRC+ towards lefties this yr, although he did hit southpaws nicely in June and July.
Unlock Subscriber-Unique Articles Like This One With a Commerce Rumors Entrance Workplace Subscription
Entry weekly subscriber-only articles by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco.
Be part of unique weekly stay chats with Anthony.
Take away advertisements and help our writers.
Entry GM-caliber instruments like our MLB Contract Tracker
