Boston Red Sox sign free agent first baseman Mitch Moreland
The Boston Red Sox have signed free agent first baseman Mitch Moreland to a 1-year, $5.5 million deal, adding some left-handed pop to the lineup.
The Boston Red Sox capped off a productive Tuesday by signing Mitch Moreland to a 1-year, $5.5 million deal.
So, what is Dave Dombrowski trying to do? The signing of Moreland creates lots of new possibilities around the infield. Moreland could play the role of designated hitter, but that would mean keeping a 2016 Gold Glove winner on the bench when the Red Sox are in the field.
If you put Moreland at first, does that mean you move current first baseman Hanley Ramirez to his former position at third? Well, in that case, what do you do at DH? Brock Holt? Pablo Sandoval? Someone who currently doesn’t have “Red Sox” across the front of his jersey?
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My preference would be signing Edwin Encarnacion. But, in the event that nobody is signed by the Red Sox, I would think it would be a contest between Holt, Sandoval, and possibly others. This list of others includes Bryce Brentz, Chris Young, Blake Swihart, and whoever isn’t catching between Christian Vasquez and Sandy Leon. While none of these will likely ever be able to replace the legendary David Ortiz, all could develop into above-average designated hitters.
A lot of people are upset with Dombrowski and Boston’s front office for at least one of these three deals. These critics either A) didn’t want to lose Shaw, B) think we gave up too much for Sale, or C) think Moreland’s below average year at the plate means he’s washed out. I on the other hand, am pleased with these three moves.
In order to get a solid reliever like Thornburg, you were going to have to give up a player like Shaw. Sale creates what is possibly the scariest rotation in baseball. And finally, the Moreland move creates so much versatility around the infield.
Final Thoughts
As I stated earlier, I’m pleased with the Moreland deal. Moreland had one bad year at the plate, and it seems all of Red Sox Nation is bashing him. We should understand better than anyone to disregard someone because of one bad year.
In 2015, a certain Red Sox starting pitcher won a career-low nine games in 28 starts and posted a 4.92 ERA, which was tied for the worst of his career. This man’s name was Rick Porcello. As we all know, this year, Porcello went 22-4, with the best ERA of his career, and took home the AL Cy Young Award.
Let’s trust our general manager, and the rest of our front office. There’s a reason John Henry put Dombrowski where he is. Tell us what you think in the comments, and most importantly… Go Sox!