Red Sox: Five non-tendered players to target in free agency
By Tim Starr
![BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 11: Blake Treinen #39 of the Oakland Athletics pitches in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 11, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 11: Blake Treinen #39 of the Oakland Athletics pitches in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 11, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fbosoxinjection-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2019-2F12-2F1136308774-850x560-26c13d9135c8c98f363fd11ed6829406.jpg)
C.J. Cron
The Minnesota Twins non-tendered first baseman C.J. Cron as they already have enough power in their lineup; they broke the MLB home run record in 2019 with 307. With the powerful first baseman entering the market, he could peak the Red Sox interest.
As previously mentioned, a new hole at first has formed as power-bats Moreland and Pearce have entered free agency. The Red Sox can fill the shoes left by the duo by inking Cron to a deal. The powerful first baseman has averaged over 20 home runs the last 5 seasons and he could help mentor one of Boston’s top prospects, Bobby Dalbec.
Cron hit for a 103 OPS+ last year while also swatting 25 home runs. He is in the middle of his prime as he is only 29 years old, so a 1-year deal could guarantee a solid, productive season. He could platoon with Dalbec (even though they are both right-handed) and fill the foot-prints left by the Red Sox departing first base duo.
He shouldn’t come too expensive as he is likely going to receive a 1 or 2-year deal with an AAV around $5-7 million per year. He won’t cost Boston too much money but could add some extra thump to the lineup while also filling in at first base.