Red Sox connections in Major League Baseball news
By Rick McNair
Red Sox news includes a possible free agent and a lost free agent
Red Sox connections are in the news around the baseball world. One that has surfaced is the perpetual need for Boston, a right-hand slugger; this one is half a world away.
His team, the Hiroshima Carp, is posting Seiya Suzuki. The 27-year-old is projected to garner a $55 million contract, according to the collection of baseball Nostrodamusus at MLBTR. That price tag omits a compensation scale to the Carp that could increase the cost substantially. Not quite in the territory of former Red Sox Japanese import Daisuke Matsuzaka.
What “potentially” do you get for your money? The outfielder can hit for average (.319) and power (39 HR), a combination that is becoming quite elusive. Top that off with four Gold Glove Awards and respectable speed, and Suzuki may have a decent market. The Red Sox are in the mix if the rumor mill is correct.
Switch-hitting Sandy Leon is signing a minor league deal with the Guardians. Leon will be remembered best in Boston for his contributions to the 2018 championship team despite hitting just .177 for the season.
In 2021, Leon was with Miami, hitting a woeful .183 in 83 games for the Marlins. That is the history of the 32-year-old longtime backup catcher with a career .212 average.
Management changes in baseball are a natural progression, and the Red Sox have an addition in senior management. Mike Groopman has come on the Red Sox express as assistant general manager. The Brewers previously employed Groopman as VP of International Scouting and Player Personnel.
Groopman is no novice to baseball success as he was with the Royals from 2008- 2017, including two World Series trips and a title in 2015. Before that, Groopman had experience with the Reds and the Giants.
When the Red Sox acquired Chris Sale, part of the trade package included a switch-hitting outfielder Luis Alexander Basabe. Basabe languished in the White Sox system and was sold to the Giants in 2020. That gave him a break.
Basabe was given a taste of “The Show,” It was rather sour, hitting just .143 over 18 PAs. In 2021, Basabe went back to the minors hitting .253 over two leagues. That lack of performance cost him his roster spot, but the Pale Hose has picked up the 25-year-old for another venture in the White Sox system.
Next. It's time to make sure Rafael Devers retires in Boston. dark
In the bitter disappointment department is lefty Steven Matz signing a four-year deal with the Cardinals. Matz was mentioned as a serious contender to sign with Boston. The deal with the Cards was for $44 million, and Matz would have been an excellent replacement for Eduardo Rodriguez. Maybe they’ll make a run at Marcus Stroman?