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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) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 28: C.J. Cron #24 of the Minnesota Twins hits an RBI double against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning of the interleague game on May 28, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Brewers 5-3. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 28: C.J. Cron #24 of the Minnesota Twins hits an RBI double against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning of the interleague game on May 28, 2019 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins defeated the Brewers 5-3. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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.

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