Red Sox: 3 former players Boston should re-sign when the lockout ends
The Red Sox should bring back these familiar faces for 2022
One of the most exciting parts of the offseason is tracking which free agents are heading to new locals and joining up with new squads. The Red Sox were able to bring in some new faces before the lockout began but they shouldn’t be afraid to turn their sights to some familiar faces.
There’s a massive benefit to bringing back players that were recently on your roster as they already have relationships with the guys still in the clubhouse. No awkward ice breakers or get to know you phases needed, just getting right back to business. Having the ability to pick up right where you left off also allows the signee to focus more on the task at hand which should boost success rates.
There are a few former Red Sox players still out there that I believe did more than enough in 2021 for another crack at the roster going forward and would be an added plus to this roster. We saw what they could do when the lights were shining the brightest and now it’s time to let them really work.
Here are three players that I think Chaim Bloom should re-sign once the lockout concludes.
Former Red Sox INF: José Iglesias
My God, has there ever been a better signing after the Trade Deadline? I’m sure there has, but my recency bias is off the charts with José Iglesias as this guy WAS the team for the short time he was back with the Red Sox. Obviously, this wasn’t his first stint with the club but he made sure to make every single game count and it’s a major reason why I want him back.
Since he was picked up after the Deadline came and went he wasn’t eligible for the Postseason but you’d never be able to tell that by his demeanor and style of play. He was brought in to fill the void at second base while Christian Arroyo was on the shelf and he more than earned every inning he was on the field. In 23 games with the Red Sox, he slashed an insane .356/.406/.508 line with one homer and 7 RBI.
Whether it was clutch hits or flashy as hell defensive plays, José was the man more nights than he wasn’t. When it came time for him to just hang out in the dugout during the Postseason he didn’t let up with his energy whatsoever. He’s the definition of a “clubhouse guy,” and would often be one of the first to congratulate someone on a big hit or a pitcher for a great outing.
We still have plenty of question marks surrounding second base as the rumor mill had the Red Sox linked to some infielders but in my eyes, the best option is Iglesias. He loves the guys he played with, they love him right back, and the guy can flat-out play. I truly believe he’d be a great signing ahead of the 2022 season.
Former Red Sox RP: Hansel Robles
This one may get some heat from Red Sox Nation but in the long run, I think history will be kind to me on this selection. Hansel Robles came to Boston via trade with the Minnesota Twins and had himself a mixed second half. At times, he was electric and couldn’t be touched by the opposing hitter. And then at others, he would try to get too cute on the mound and get absolutely crushed.
I’m more into re-signing the Hansel that was lights-out and showed that passion and intensity and a lot less about re-signing the goof that could change his motion with every pitch to fool the hitter. He had a 3.60 ERA through his 25 innings with the Red Sox but his 11.9/4.7 K/BB rate is why I want him back in the bullpen.
If he sticks to what got him to the dance and less showmanship I believe that walk tally will drop. I wasn’t always the kindest to Hansel during the season but it was because the dude can get the job done and seemingly just chose to not do so.
Why not go out there and blast the other team with your best stuff instead of trying to throw off their timing with awkward wind-ups? Plus coming to the mound with The Undertaker’s music blaring over the loudspeaker is pretty cool. He’d be an inexpensive pickup and what I feel could be an asset to a bullpen that needs support.
Former Red Sox INF: Kyle Schwarber
Did ya’ll think I wasn’t going to talk about Kyle Schwarber in this thing? Saving the best for last and who I think could be the best former player that Chaim Bloom could bring back to the Red Sox ahead of 2022. Fans scoffed at the idea of Bloom trading for the injured Schwarber at the deadline but the man in the front office knew what he was doing and everyone should put respect on his name.
Once Schwarbs was healthy he was an instant impact player for the team and the culture and discipline at the plate changed right away. There were two things that Kyle loved doing with the Red Sox in 2021, smacking bombs and taking walks. My guy had an OBP of a million for a while there because he wasn’t swinging at junk and just took his free passes.
While Alex Cora didn’t use him much in the outfield it was a process to watch him learn a new position at first base. He and Bobby Dalbec would form a pretty tight tandem and working with Schwarber also helped Bob immensely at the plate. We’ve heard all offseason that the Sox were the leading candidate and I think that’d be a wise move for Bloom, and the slugger seems to be all-in.
His versatility makes him a great fit anywhere in this lineup and if anyone embraced the Boston culture from day one it was Kyle from Waltham. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anyone have as much fun as he did while he was here. Look no further than the celebration at first base against the Rays. Bring him back, Chaim.