Red Sox Target #3: Eric Sogard
Alright, this one may not be on anyone else’s dream free agency boards but I couldn’t think of a bigger “Chaim Bloom Guy,” than Eric Sogard. A veteran player that can get it done on both sides of the game, can move around the infield, and is dirt cheap in the salary department. He may as well have a Red Sox cap on as I write this.
This isn’t the first time I’ve pitched that the Sox should go after Sogard and it probably won’t be the last either. The 11-year veteran has not only spent time in both leagues but has also spent many a game in the AL East. There always seems to be those certain players that no matter what you do they always find a way to sting you, Sogard has been that guy for the Red Sox.
Earlier in this article I made the argument that Bloom should get Trevor Story for second base and I still feel that way. But Sogard offers so much as an inexpensive and versatile bench player that there could be room for both. The former Cub has the ability to play every infield position and play them all well. This would allow Cora a mega utilityman that opens the door for not just situational changes but also scheduled days off for his stars.
Sogard earned a little over $600K for the 2021 season and that should make Chaim smile from ear to ear. He could sign a veteran player who still slashed .249/.283/.314 with six doubles and 12 RBI in 2021. He didn’t play the entire season and likely wouldn’t in Boston either, but I’ll gladly take those numbers off of the bench for 75-80 games. Not the prettiest signing, but could be one of those that gives the Sox that extra push. Hell, it’s worked pretty well in the past.