Red Sox 2018 Free Agency: Four hitters to avoid on the market
By Rick McNair
The Boston Red Sox may be desperate for power but they need to be smart about it. Avoid the following four hitters on the free agent market.
Desperate times are upon Red Sox Nation. The current free agent freeze is a baseball version of the “Phony War” in 1939 when a nine-month hiatus took place before the world exploded. On the board is the remaining brass ring that seems to be most coveted among those loyal to the Red Hose – J.D. Martinez.
Martinez has Scott Boras as his agent and Boras is experienced and ruthless in the negotiation process. Love or hate Boras, but if you were a player with a keen desire to maximize your earnings then Boras is your guy. So, Martinez remains on hold and the Red Sox offense remains on hold, also. The need is clear, and the Red Sox have reportedly offered a five-year deal for $125 million.
Meanwhile, other options may exist as this circus stalls. Jose Abreu is perpetually on the market and the Red Sox would love to have a .300 hitter who produces home runs like bunnies who, well, produce more and more bunnies. Abreu, of course, would probably cost prospects and that cupboard is rather barren after Dave Dombrowski has taken his scythe to the farm system. And where do you play Jose with Mitch Moreland and Hanley Ramirez still collecting checks?
The remaining market has free agent material available and from what I have seen in the power division there are a few I would avoid like drinking Flint, Michigan water. Here we go on the what not to wish for list – power division.