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Red Sox: Five affordable power bats to target in free agency

By Sean Penney

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 18: Dave Dombrowski the President of Baseball Operations of the Boston Red Sox stands at home plate before a game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on September 18, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 5-4. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 18: Dave Dombrowski the President of Baseball Operations of the Boston Red Sox stands at home plate before a game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on September 18, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 5-4. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 16: Todd Frazier (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 16: Todd Frazier (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Todd Frazier

ZiPS’ projected value: Three years, $47.4 million (A.A.V.: $15.8M)

Remember when Red Sox fans were disappointed that the rival New York Yankees scooped Todd Frazier out from under their noses with a mid-season trade? That was before the emergence of Rafael Devers solved their third base riddle, so ultimately it worked out for Boston to hold off on pulling the trigger on a deal with the Chicago White Sox.

Now Frazier is a free agent, so all it will take is money to bring him to Boston. Frazier is a better defensive third baseman than Devers, so pushing the 21-year old to first base or DH would improve the infield defense. Frazier could also play first or DH if they Red Sox are sold on Devers improving at the hot corner – or at least aren’t prepared to give up on the idea yet.

Frazier carries significant risk in the batting average department coming off a season in which he hit a career-low .213 in time split between Chicago and New York. However, he has the highest power ceiling on this list. He hit 27 home runs this year and is only one season removed from a 40-homer campaign.

He also ranked sixth in the majors with a 14.4 BB% to help mitigate the downside of his low average. As cringe-worthy as his average appears, his solid .344 OBP would have tied Betts for second among qualified hitters on the Red Sox.

Frazier is the type of hitter who would undoubtedly frustrate Red Sox fans but their need for the long ball may make those inconsistencies a necessary evil. The projected price isn’t unreasonable so long as it remains short-term.

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