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10 free agents the Red Sox should target when the lockout ends

By Daniel Fox

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Schwarber #18 of the Boston Red Sox hits a solo homerun in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 10, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Schwarber #18 of the Boston Red Sox hits a solo homerun in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Fenway Park on October 10, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 02: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning in Game Six of the World Series at Minute Maid Park on November 02, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 02: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning in Game Six of the World Series at Minute Maid Park on November 02, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Red Sox free-agent target -1B Freddie Freeman

Let’s be clear: The chances of Freddie Freeman leaving the Atlanta Braves are extremely low. The only precedent for a franchise cornerstone departing a team after winning a World Series is Albert Pujols, and that only happened because the Cardinals couldn’t match the Angels’ offer. All indications are that the Braves will spend the money to bring Freeman back, and the two sides will eventually work towards a deal.

If, for some reason, Freeman doesn’t return to the Braves, the Red Sox need to pounce. Since his debut in 2010, only five players can top Freeman’s .384 on-base percentage, while only Tim Anderson, Juan Soto, and Trea Turner can best his .311 average over the last two years. A remarkably consistent player who has only missed four games over the previous four years, Freeman would be a perfect addition to a Red Sox lineup that lacks left-handed thump besides Rafael Devers.

As one of the best players in the game, Freeman will undoubtedly require a serious financial investment for the Red Sox to get him. But since he is already 33, he won’t command the same long-term risk as Correa, Story, or Bryant. If the Red Sox are serious about competing for a championship this year, they should go all-in on bringing in Freeman.

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