BoSox Injection
Fansided

Boston Red Sox: Five biggest questions this offseason

By Sean Penney

Sep 17, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski looks on during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski looks on during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Sep 24, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) works out prior the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) works out prior the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Is the starting third baseman in 2017 already on the roster?

Brandon: For Opening Day 2017, probably. Although, Red Sox Nation won’t want to hear that. Yoan Moncada will likely be the starter in 2018, unless he rounds into form before next year’s spring training. That leaves Pablo Sandoval and Travis Shaw, both whom can’t seem to get their bats going. Shaw beat out Sandoval because of his defense; however, with Sandoval making so much money, the team will have to try to play him to either get something out of their investment or to show that he’s trade-worthy. Either way, it doesn’t seem like there are too many names at third base that the Red Sox could sign in free agency this offseason. Boston will have to make a go of either Shaw or Sandoval for at least the start of 2017.

More from Red Sox News

Sean: Sadly, yes. The best available free agent third baseman is Justin Turner, who will be difficult to pry away from the Los Angles Dodgers. The trade market is unclear at this point. Either way, it’s unlikely the Red Sox commit to another option at the hot corner with Moncada waiting in the wings. The top prospect in the organization will take over that spot eventually, so there’s no need to spend big bucks on a free agent or sell the farm to trade for an All-Star. In the meantime, we’re stuck watching guys like Sandoval and Shaw try to hold down the fort.

Rick: The starting third baseman is certainly on the roster and the choice is multiple. They all have one thing in common and it is a quaint expression employed often by Red Sox fans: “They suck.” Too bad they don’t toss beach balls, since Moncada would be the favorite. Of course, after what Moncada showed even a beach ball would have a 50/50 chance.

Matt: Sandoval will be at third, while the Sox attempt to add a DH. If they can’t get a deal done, we could see Swihart/Shaw at first with Hanley at DH.

Chance: I personally think Shaw is going to be the starting third baseman. Some are making the case for Moncada or Holt, but I think Shaw can perform much better than what he’s shown us over the past couple of months.

Home/Red Sox News