Red Sox Predictions: Where will free agents play in 2020?
By Tim Starr
Mitch Moreland has been with the Red Sox for the past three years. Moreland has not been the healthiest player, with quad issues ailing him in 2019. However, Moreland has had success in Boston – specifically a clutch three-run home run he hit in Game 4 of the World Series in 2018 as his most notable Red Sox moment.
Moreland signed a 2-year, $13 million deal with the Red Sox two years ago and he has been worth every penny. Despite being limited to 91 games, he’s slashed .328/.507/.835 for a 112 OPS+. Of course, Moreland also brought his gold glove caliber defense to go along with his veteran leadership.
While the Red Sox would surely love to bring Moreland back, they have a lot of young third and first baseman stockpiling in the minors. Also, the Sox front office is going to be taxed with shedding payroll and Moreland may have priced himself out of Boston.
Any team that signs Moreland is bringing in a quality major league presence and leader to their dugout. Look for Moreland to sign a similar contract to the one he signed with the Red Sox in December of 2017.
Teams that would display interest in him would be a young team that could use a veteran leader in the dugout or a team that has a need at first base. Moreland could also be very effective off the bench and lengthen out any major league lineup. Expect the Royals, Nationals, and Indians to pursue Moreland.