Red Sox: Familiar faces in free agency could bolster Boston’s lineup
Former Red Sox infielders Brock Holt & Mitch Moreland
These two tug at the heartstrings and would be massive returns for the fans. When Brock Holt didn’t return ahead of 2020, Red Sox Nation was heartbroken as he had become a true ambassador for the city. His charity work is second to none and he has never shied away from his love of Boston. Holt has never been one to mince his words and he didn’t speak too highly of his time playing in 2020 with both the Brewers or Nationals.
He didn’t have negatives to say so much about the teams but for the sheer fact that the season was occurring in general. Holt and his wife welcomed their second child in 2020 and it was clear that he didn’t think this year needed to happen. One thing may have changed his mind and that would’ve been playing for the Red Sox.
Holt has never been one to light up the stat sheet but he’s someone that can build the clubhouse and unite a squad. He’s also the only player in MLB history to hit for the cycle in the postseason, so that’s pretty cool.
His salary isn’t one that Chaim Bloom should even blink over as he could bring Holt back to be his go-to utility man for damn near nothing. Holt only has a few years left and with a young family at home, he may not want something too long-term. An offer along the lines of two-years/$4M would keep him a bit under his recent salaries but could allow him to finish up where he wants to end his career.
For Mitch Moreland, he has had one hell of a run with the Red Sox and a great career overall. A power-hitting big man that can move like a cat over at first base is rare to find. Like Pillar, Moreland was dealt to a contender at the deadline for a return that could help Boston in the future. I want to bring Mitchy Two-Bags back to give Cora some wiggle room in regards to his infield.
We know that Bobby Dalbec and Rafael Devers have the corners on lock, but we also know that Devers has a rough history with errors and Bobby-D can play both positions. Bringing Moreland back into the fold would allow AC to give Raffy days off to reset, shift Dalbec to third, and have Mitch cover first. It would also allow Boston the opportunity to have a veteran first baseman mentor both Devers and Dalbec if the team were to ever swap the young infielders.
The 11-year veteran is in the final years of his career and likely won’t see big money coming his way from any team in the league. Despite being traded this past season, Boston still offers Moreland one of the best scenarios as far as a future deal is concerned.
He may not be an everyday player anymore but as a platoon guy at first and occasional DH, he offers great value for his cost. Give him two-years/$6M and let him ride off into the sunset at Fenway Park.