Logan Morrison, three years, $36 million
Mitch Moreland did a solid job covering first base for the Red Sox in 2017. While the Red Sox may consider bringing him back, they will at least kick the tires on a potential upgrade. Given their need for power, Morrison fits the bill.
The 30-year old hit a career-high 38 home runs this year to go along with a .246/.353/.516 slash line. He provides a similar mediocre average to what Moreland provided, only with more walks and home runs.
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports Group
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
The concern with Morrison is whether or not his power production is a true breakout year or a flash in the pan. His previous career-high of 23 home runs came back in 2011 and he fell shy of 20 in every other season until this year. On the other hand, his playing time was sporadic in most of those previous seasons and he has spent his entire career in pitcher-friendly ballparks.
Morrison’s 2017 splits suggest he may be relegated to a platoon role, although his career splits are fairly even. Even if he does have to sit against some tough lefties, that’s no different than how the Red Sox deployed Moreland.
While he doesn’t bring the elite defensive prowess of Moreland at first base, Morrison’s glove is solid enough that his offensive upside outweighs any drop off in the field. For what it’s worth, MLBTR ranked Morrison as their No. 15 free agent, while Moreland was relegated to the honorable mentions section.
The contract they predict is more than double what the Red Sox paid Moreland this year, but the $12 million average annual value seems reasonable for a player of Morrison’s caliber.