Red Sox: Free-agent targets Boston needs to be contenders in 2021

Brock Holt should be a must add for the Red Sox

There is an obvious hole at second base for the Red Sox as there seemingly has been since Dustin Pedroia went down with his knee injury. The Red Sox could overspend on players such as Jonathan Schoop (projected to get 2 years, $16 million) or Tommy La Stella (projected 2 years, $14 million) or even MVP Candidate D.J. LaMahieu, but all of these moves would be a mistake. All three of the players hold way too much risk for what the market is expecting out of them.

La Stella has only played more than 100 games once in his career, has a history of injuries, and has only hit over ten home runs once in his career. Schoop is inconsistent, and although coming off a strong season, we saw him have a miserable stretch from 2018-2019. His numbers in my opinion do not warrant his $8 million per year price tag.

Finally, LaMahieu’s MVP caliber play came only at the hands of New York’s short porch, where he saw his numbers rise to destinations unimaginable during his seven-year span in Colorado. At age 32, it does not seem like a good idea to sign the second basemen to his projected 3 years, $42 Million deal.

Insert Brock Holt, the fan favorite Red Sox utility man who is only two years removed from his cycle against the New York Yankees in Game  3 of the 2018 ALDS at Yankee Stadium.

Holt left the Red Sox last year due to Boston’s determination to cut the team’s salary. Unfortunately for Holt, he found little to no success in Milwaukee, leading to his release and eventual signing in Washington. He found little success there as well, and will once again be a free agent this offseason.

The 32-year-old is the perfect fit for Boston this year, bringing back a familiar presence that can provide the young team with some much needed leadership and experience. Holt can fill the second base hole as he has in the past, and according to his signing in Washington, he will play for cheap. Holt would be more than a bargain for the team with little to no risk in play.

What makes this signing even more significant is Holt’s willingness to be a bench player if need be. This gives Boston the perfect opportunity to give Jeter Downs playing time in the majors should he develop well enough throughout the season.

With a bitter taste still in the mouth of Red Sox Nation after trading away Mookie Betts, why not show the fans what the return was beyond Verdugo. This could also open the door for more playing time for Yairo Munoz, who was playing some spectacular baseball before his injury. Finally, who doesn’t want to see a Holt-Benny reunion?