Red Sox: Four good things that happened for Boston during 2020

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BOSTON, MA – JULY 24: Kevin Pillar #5 of the Boston Red Sox makes a leaping catch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Opening Day at Fenway Park on July 24, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. The 2020 season had been postponed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

Red Sox bargain buys pay off

Chaim Bloom was hired by the Red Sox two achieve three main goals: build a contender, repair the bloated budget, and replenish the depleted farm system. So far he’s achieved two of these goals while fielding a contender has eluded him.

One thing that we’ve seen from the CBO during his tenure is his penchant for signing talent at a bargain price. It hasn’t always paid off, just look at that pitching staff from 2020, but in a few cases, it has.

The two that instantly come to mind when I think of the low cost-high reward method from 2020 are Kevin Pillar and Martin Perez. Both came to Boston ahead of the season and were brought here on inexpensive short-term deals. Though neither would be tethered to the club beyond this season they both gave their all while wearing that Red Sox uni.

Hell, on Opening Day Pillar opened his tenure in Boston by crashing full-speed into the bullpen wall to save an extra-base hit. That’s all I needed to see from the veteran outfielder. He would back up that play with what felt like a nightly web-gem and consistent quality plate appearances. I was sad to see him go and still have a sliver of hope that he’ll be back, but am thankful for his time with the team this year.

Then there was Martin Perez. I never thought I’d write so many words about a middle of the rotation starter but this year has been wild. Perez came to the team with low expectations and he absolutely crushed them.

A 3-5 record may not seem impressive but there were plenty of those losses that can’t be attributed to his efforts. He totaled a 4.50 ERA through 62 IP and would end up being Boston’s best starter this year.

Though the team chose to not pick up Perez’s club option for 2021 there’s still a possibility that he’ll be back on the roster, especially if other pitchers get signed. Bringing Martin back on a more club-friendly salary could be the answer to the equation. Perez loved his time in Boston and expressed that he wanted to stay with the Red Sox, here’s to possibly seeing him back in 2021.

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