2020-2021 Offseason Thread

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

We agreed on six rule 5 players. How many free agents do you think we'll sign (or 40 man roster players we trade for without giving equal 40 man roster players in return)?

 

I'm thinking 6-9.

1.Hall

2. Hart

3. Aybar

4. Wilson (assuming we add 2 OF'ers)

5. Walden

6. Puello (assuming we add 2-3 OF'er)

7. Leyer

8. Springs

9. Stock

10. Chatham

11. Tapia

12. Arauz

13. Covey

14. Brewer

 

You think Stock, Springs or Tapia would even be claimed, if we cut them the week before opening day?

 

Those are the guys Pedey is putting at risk.

 

I guess if Bloom really wants these guys, he could DFA Pedey. It may matter, if there is any hope Pedey can play, but I'd put his odds at

 

I'd think we DFA all 3 of them for Sale, ERod & Pedey, the put those 3 on the 60 day and add 3 players cut from deeper team rosters.

 

Puello is a 4A player, and Wilson -- who I've seen play in person -- is not a prospect. There may be many MLB outfielders making the minimum who have at least one big league tool...

[moonslav59]

Or Devers... if he doesn't bring Cora back. Or put it this way: can Sox fans really envision Boston's next deep run in a postseason happening with Rafie's D at third?

 

Certainly, yes.

 

He's been up and down. He's still young.

 

He makes some great plays and makes too many throwing errors.

 

We may also move him to 1B, eventually.

 

He's the best player on our roster.

 

I can't imagine winning without him.

[moonslav59]

Puello is a 4A player, and Wilson -- who I've seen play in person -- is not a prospect. There may be many MLB outfielders making the minimum who have at least one big league tool...

 

Agreed. the only way one or both stick around is if we sign just 1 OF'er.

[oldtimer]

Certainly, yes.

 

He's been up and down. He's still young.

 

He makes some great plays and makes too many throwing errors.

 

We may also move him to 1B, eventually.

 

He's the best player on our roster.

 

I can't imagine winning without him.

 

I agree that Devers is a core player for the Sox, but watching the Rays play leads one to appreciate exceptional defense. Can't have a 3rd baseman making 35 errors a season and expect to advance in the playoffs. Devers has either got to greatly improve his defensive numbers or move to first base. We have a better defensive man on the team now so it could be done.

[oldtimer]

I was thinking that with our 40 man roster so weak at the bottom, maybe Bloom tries something very unique- like signing 9-11 free agents to low/moderate contracts- mostly 1-2 year deals. The problem might be making the 26 man roster. I guess, if some have options, we could pack our AAA team with a few and then let the season play out, in hopes that 6-8 workout.

 

He's so good at signing marginal players that surprise.

 

A look at the 26 man roster and options:

 

Assume Sale, Pedey and ERod start on the 60 day IL, but when they comeback, someone needs to be DFA'd or demoted (see options remaining)

 

2020 Roster

3 Bogaerts

3 Devers

2 Verdugo

1 JD

0 Vazquez

0 Eovaldi

0 Perez

2 Barnes

2 DHern

2 Taylor

3 Houck

1 Pivetta

3 Beni

2 Valdez

1 Covey

0 Arroyo

2 Chavis

1 Munoz

 

Red= not likely demoted or can't be demoted

 

There are only 13 players that look like locks- add Houck, who may see his innings limited in 2021, and we're at 14. That leaves room for 11 free agents to fight for a spot on the big club and players we can demote, if they win the job.

Our outfield is fertile ground for change. I prefer we resign JBJ at center, but if that can't be worked out Kevin Pillar would be a suitable and low cost reacquisition. I would like to see us trade Beni and Chavis, which probably means another change via trade or free agency. I know you don't consider Duran as a viable outfield option for the Sox, but I fully expect him getting play in Spring training and making the team. If I am correct, we would carry Verdugo, JBJ/Pillar, Trade/FA/Duran on the 26 man with Munoz as a capable backup. I wouldn't use JDM in that role at all.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I agree that Devers is a core player for the Sox, but watching the Rays play leads one to appreciate exceptional defense. Can't have a 3rd baseman making 35 errors a season and expect to advance in the playoffs. Devers has either got to greatly improve his defensive numbers or move to first base. We have a better defensive man on the team now so it could be done.

 

I look at Devers sticking at third the same way I bet Yankee fans (at least subconsciously) view their title chances going forward with Torres at shortstop and Sanchez behind the plate -- no matter how savage your mashers, you still have to play consistent, quality D to win rings.

 

NY has promising young pitching, as well as the hopes that Severino and German return to form... their best move might just be to let Boston sign DJ, move Gleybar back to second, and spend, spend, spend on Realmuto and Lindor.

 

Boston, on the other hand, may also pull a stunner in a couple years by dumping JD, moving Rafie to DH, and sliding Bogie over to third to make room for Correa or Story. Or instead I can even see them taking on Arenado's ginormous contract, as long as the Rox throw in one of their pre-30 starting pitchers...

[Nick]

I would like to hear from smart people on this board about what we can get at 4th pick....any can't miss starting pitcher? Please no high school kids...

[harmony]

I would like to hear from smart people on this board about what we can get at 4th pick....any can't miss starting pitcher? Please no high school kids...

In the last three drafts the Seattle Mariners took college pitchers in the first round with the No 14, No. 20 and No. 6 picks.

 

Righthanders Emerson Hancock, Logan Gilbert and George Kirby are now ranked No. 30, No. 35 and No. 95 among all prospects at MLB Pipeline:

 

Top 100 Baseball Prospects | MLB.com

WWW.MLB.COM

---

The Official Site of Major League Baseball

 

That's one approach that could be undermined by prospect attrition. The Mariners once had pitching prospects Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen and James Paxton ranked higher.

Edited October 13, 2020 by harmony

[moonslav59]

Some mock draft picks:

 

prospects365

1. Kumar Rocker (RHP Vandy)

2. Jud Fabian (OF Florida)

3. Jack Leiter (RHP Vandy)

4. Adrian Del Castillo (C Miami)

5. Jaden Hill (RHP LSU)

6. Gunnar Hogland (RHP Miss)

 

Mymlbdraft

1. Rocker

2. Leiter

3. Brady House (SS/RHP HS)

4. Matt McLain (SS UCLA)

5. Fabian

 

prospectslive

1. Rocker

2. Jordan Lawiar (SS HS)

3. Fabian

4. Leiter

 

 

[Nick]

Some mock draft picks:

 

prospects365

1. Kumar Rocker (RHP Vandy)

2. Jud Fabian (OF Florida)

3. Jack Leiter (RHP Vandy)

4. Adrian Del Castillo (C Miami)

5. Jaden Hill (RHP LSU)

6. Gunnar Hogland (RHP Miss)

 

Mymlbdraft

1. Rocker

2. Leiter

3. Brady House (SS/RHP HS)

4. Matt McLain (SS UCLA)

5. Fabian

 

prospectslive

1. Rocker

2. Jordan Lawiar (SS HS)

3. Fabian

4. Leiter

 

 

 

We have to grab a pitcher.....again, please stay away from high school kid...

[Larry Cook]

Some mock draft picks:

 

prospects365

1. Kumar Rocker (RHP Vandy)

2. Jud Fabian (OF Florida)

3. Jack Leiter (RHP Vandy)

4. Adrian Del Castillo (C Miami)

5. Jaden Hill (RHP LSU)

6. Gunnar Hogland (RHP Miss)

 

Mymlbdraft

1. Rocker

2. Leiter

3. Brady House (SS/RHP HS)

4. Matt McLain (SS UCLA)

5. Fabian

 

prospectslive

1. Rocker

2. Jordan Lawiar (SS HS)

3. Fabian

4. Leiter

 

 

 

Given hill’s arm trouble, hogland is not a bad option.

[moonslav59]

We have to grab a pitcher.....again, please stay away from high school kid...

 

We need pitching, but I'm still not sure drafting one is the right way to get there.

 

We suck at drafting pitchers, but with a new GM, with a history of finding young arms, maybe you are right.

 

Here are our top pitching picks over the years:

 

2020: Wu-Yelland #118

2019: Zeferjahn #107, Song #137

2018: Feltman 100, Ward 160

2017: Houck 23

2016: Groome 12, S Anderson 118 (traded), Shararyn 148, Nogosek 178 (traded)

2015: Lakins 171, B Taylor 201, L Allen 231 (traded), Poyner 411

2014: Kopech 33 (traded), Jake Cosart 103

2013: T Ball 7, Stankiewicz 45

2012: B Johnson 31, Pat Light 37, J Callahan 87, A Maddox 118, T Buttrey 151

2011: Barnes 19, H Owens 36, Noe Ramirez 143

2010: Ranaudo 39, Workman 57

2009: Alex Wilson 77

2008: Casey Kelly 30, Bryan Price 45, Stephen Fife 85, Kyle Weiland 108

2007: Hagadone 55

2006: Bard 28, K Johnson 40, C Clay 44, Masterson 71

2005: Hansen 26, Buchholz 42, Bowden 47

2004: A Dobies 3rd R, T Hottovy 4th R, R Schroyer 5th R, Cla Meredith 6th R

2003: Abe Alvarez 2nd R

2002: Jon Lester 2nd R

2001: Matthew Chico 2nd R

2000: Dumatrait 1st R, Delcarmen 2nd R

1999: Brad Baker 1st R, Casey Fossum 1st R

Edited October 13, 2020 by moonslav59

[moonslav59]

Given hill’s arm trouble, hogland is not a bad option.

 

Maybe Leiter will drop to 4th. Usually someone takes a HS player top 4.

[Nick]

We need pitching, but I'm still not sure drafting one is the right way to get there.

 

We suck at drafting pitchers, but with a new GM, with a history of finding young arms, maybe you are right.

 

Here are our top pitching picks over the years:

 

2020: Wu-Yelland #118

2019: Zeferjahn #107, Song #137

2018: Feltman 100, Ward 160

2017: Houck 23

2016: Groome 12, S Anderson 118 (traded), Shararyn 148, Nogosek 178 (traded)

2015: Lakins 171, B Taylor 201, L Allen 231 (traded), Poyner 411

2014: Kopech 33 (traded), Jake Cosart 103

2013: T Ball 7, Stankiewicz 45

2012: B Johnson 31, Pat Light 37, J Callahan 87, A Maddox 118, T Buttrey 151

2011: Barnes 19, H Owens 36, Noe Ramirez 143

2010: Ranaudo 39, Workman 57

2009: Alex Wilson 77

2008: Casey Kelly 30, Bryan Price 45, Stephen Fife 85, Kyle Weiland 108

2007: Hagadone 55

2006: Bard 28, K Johnson 40, C Clay 44, Masterson 71

2005: Hansen 26, Buchholz 42, Bowden 47

2004: A Dobies 3rd R, T Hottovy 4th R, R Schroyer 5th R, Cla Meredith 6th R

2003: Abe Alvarez 2nd R

2002: Jon Lester 2nd R

2001: Matthew Chico 2nd R

2000: Dumatrait 1st R, Delcarmen 2nd R

1999: Brad Baker 1st R, Casey Fossum 1st R

Whatever happened to Feltman.....wasn't he thought of as major league ready reliever coming out of college? LSU guy?

[moonslav59]

Whatever happened to Feltman.....wasn't he thought of as major league ready reliever coming out of college? LSU guy?

 

Dud.

 

Not that uncommon.

 

Maybe one DD should have traded.

[notin]

Whatever happened to Feltman.....wasn't he thought of as major league ready reliever coming out of college? LSU guy?

 

“MLB-ready reliever” is a Kiss of Death among Sox draft picks. See Hansen, Craig...

[Bellhorn04]

Or Devers... if he doesn't bring Cora back. Or put it this way: can Sox fans really envision Boston's next deep run in a postseason happening with Rafie's D at third?

 

I agree that Devers is a core player for the Sox, but watching the Rays play leads one to appreciate exceptional defense. Can't have a 3rd baseman making 35 errors a season and expect to advance in the playoffs.

 

Jeez, someone remind me who was playing third when we won it all in 2018...

[notin]

Jeez, someone remind me who was playing third when we won it all in 2018...

 

And even if they lose faith, they can flip flop him with Dalbec. Devers is last on the list of Sox problems...

[moonslav59]

Jeez, someone remind me who was playing third when we won it all in 2018...

 

...and he was worse on D back then.

[Bellhorn04]

...and he was worse on D back then.

 

And in the 2013 postseason it was Middlebrooks, and Bogey playing out of position...

[notin]

And in the 2013 postseason it was Middlebrooks, and Bogey playing out of position...

 

Hey, Middlebrooks tried to make that game-saving tackle on Allen Craig...

[mvp 78]

Jeez, someone remind me who was playing third when we won it all in 2018...

 

And Devers was a good 3b in 2019. I think this offseason (or lack there of) really messed him up.

[moonslav59]

I'm hoping we sign or acquire 2 solid SP'ers, this year. I'm usually one to advocate for rebuilding from the top, but I doubt we go after Bauer.

 

Here's the list of FA starters:

 

Starting Pitchers

 

Trevor Bauer (30)

 

Marcus Stroman (30)

Jake Odorizzi (31)

Masahiro Tanaka (32)

Taijuan Walker (28)

Robbie Ray (29)

James Paxton (32)

 

Charlie Morton (37) — $15MM club option with no buyout

Mike Leake (33) — $18MM mutual option with a $5MM buyout

Jon Lester (37) — $25MM mutual option with a $10MM buyout

 

Mike Minor (33)

Chris Archer (32) – $11MM club option with a $250K buyout

Jake Arrieta (35)

J.A. Happ (38)

Trevor Cahill (33)

Tommy Milone (34)

Rick Porcello (32)

Jose Quintana (32)

Julio Teheran (30)

Michael Wacha (29)

 

Brett Anderson (33)

Rich Hill (41)

Corey Kluber (35) — $17.5MM club option with a $1MM buyout

Tyler Chatwood (31)

Alex Wood (30)

 

Kevin Gausman (30)

Anthony DeSclafani (31)

Chase Anderson (33) – $9.5MM club option with a $500K buyout

Homer Bailey (35)

Gio Gonzalez (35) — $7MM club option with a $500K buyout

Cole Hamels (37)

Mike Fiers (36)

 

 

Robbie Erlin (30)

Merrill Kelly (32) — $4.25MM club option with a $500K buyout

Wade LeBlanc (36)

Matt Moore (32)

Garrett Richards (33)

Tyson Ross (34)

Ivan Nova (34)

Jimmy Nelson (32) — $2MM club option (can become $9MM mutual option based on innings total)

Jeff Samardzija (36)

Anibal Sanchez (37) — $12MM club option with a $2MM buyout

Matt Shoemaker (34)

Drew Smyly (32)

Adam Wainwright (39)

Jordan Zimmermann (35)

[moonslav59]

And Devers was a good 3b in 2019. I think this offseason (or lack there of) really messed him up.

 

Agreed.

 

I was an early advocate for moving Devers to 1B, but I see a lot of promise with his D.

[moonslav59]

We'll need a CF and probably a 4th OF'er who can play CF. Here are this year's CF FAs:

 

Center Fielders

 

George Springer (31)

 

Starling Marte (32) — $12.5MM club option with a $1MM buyout

Kevin Pillar (32)

Jackie Bradley Jr. (31)

 

Brett Gardner (37) — $10MM club option with a $2.5MM buyout

Jon Jay (36)

 

Good D but Bad O:

Jarrod Dyson (36)

Jake Marisnick (30)

Billy Hamilton (30)

 

 

[notin]

We'll need a CF and probably a 4th OF'er who can play CF. Here are this year's CF FAs:

 

Center Fielders

 

George Springer (31)

 

Starling Marte (32) — $12.5MM club option with a $1MM buyout

Kevin Pillar (32)

Jackie Bradley Jr. (31)

 

Brett Gardner (37) — $10MM club option with a $2.5MM buyout

Jon Jay (36)

 

Good D but Bad O:

Jarrod Dyson (36)

Jake Marisnick (30)

Billy Hamilton (30)

 

 

 

If the Sox opt to spend on pitching, they could just go with Jarren Duran in CF, knowing if nothing else he will provide some defense. I would suspect a Bradley/Pillar type safety net signing with the goal of bringing Duran in as the season progresses (assuming Duran at least makes a case for himself)...

[harmony]

I'm hoping we sign or acquire 2 solid SP'ers, this year. I'm usually one to advocate for rebuilding from the top, but I doubt we go after Bauer.

 

Here's the list of FA starters:

 

Starting Pitchers

 

Trevor Bauer (30)

 

Marcus Stroman (30)

Jake Odorizzi (31)

Masahiro Tanaka (32)

Taijuan Walker (28)

Robbie Ray (29)

James Paxton (32)

 

Charlie Morton (37) — $15MM club option with no buyout

Mike Leake (33) — $18MM mutual option with a $5MM buyout

Jon Lester (37) — $25MM mutual option with a $10MM buyout

 

Mike Minor (33)

Chris Archer (32) – $11MM club option with a $250K buyout

Jake Arrieta (35)

J.A. Happ (38)

Trevor Cahill (33)

Tommy Milone (34)

Rick Porcello (32)

Jose Quintana (32)

Julio Teheran (30)

Michael Wacha (29)

 

Brett Anderson (33)

Rich Hill (41)

Corey Kluber (35) — $17.5MM club option with a $1MM buyout

Tyler Chatwood (31)

Alex Wood (30)

 

Kevin Gausman (30)

Anthony DeSclafani (31)

Chase Anderson (33) – $9.5MM club option with a $500K buyout

Homer Bailey (35)

Gio Gonzalez (35) — $7MM club option with a $500K buyout

Cole Hamels (37)

Mike Fiers (36)

 

 

Robbie Erlin (30)

Merrill Kelly (32) — $4.25MM club option with a $500K buyout

Wade LeBlanc (36)

Matt Moore (32)

Garrett Richards (33)

Tyson Ross (34)

Ivan Nova (34)

Jimmy Nelson (32) — $2MM club option (can become $9MM mutual option based on innings total)

Jeff Samardzija (36)

Anibal Sanchez (37) — $12MM club option with a $2MM buyout

Matt Shoemaker (34)

Drew Smyly (32)

Adam Wainwright (39)

Jordan Zimmermann (35)

What are the chances the Red Sox were among the teams to attend a recent workout by righthander Aaron Sanchez?

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/10/aaron-sanchez-works-out-for-teams.html

 

[moonslav59]

If the Sox opt to spend on pitching, they could just go with Jarren Duran in CF, knowing if nothing else he will provide some defense. I would suspect a Bradley/Pillar type safety net signing with the goal of bringing Duran in as the season progresses (assuming Duran at least makes a case for himself)...

 

We could go with something like Duran/Wilson/Hamilton, but I'd go with Pillar, if his contract is close to 2020's.

 

I'd prefer spending much more on pitching than CF or 2B/1B. I like the idea of signing a CF/2B. I forget the guy you mentioned.

[notin]

We could go with something like Duran/Wilson/Hamilton, but I'd go with Pillar, if his contract is close to 2020's.

 

I'd prefer spending much more on pitching than CF or 2B/1B. I like the idea of signing a CF/2B. I forget the guy you mentioned.

 

Brad Miller. Not so much a CF, but can be a 1b/2b/3b/corner OF and bats LH. He was also a Bloom guy at one point...

[moonslav59]

Brad Miller. Not so much a CF, but can be a 1b/2b/3b/corner OF and bats LH. He was also a Bloom guy at one point...

 

Yes, but isn't there a decent 2B/CF'er out there, too? (FA)