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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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ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 19: Jed Lowrie #8 hits a sacrifice fly to score Matt Olson #28 of the Oakland Athletics in the 10th inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 19, 2021 in Anaheim, California. Trivino earned the win in the 10th inning. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 19: Jed Lowrie #8 hits a sacrifice fly to score Matt Olson #28 of the Oakland Athletics in the 10th inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 19, 2021 in Anaheim, California. Trivino earned the win in the 10th inning. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Red Sox free-agent target – IF Jed Lowrie

One of the most significantly overlooked holes on the 2021 Red Sox was their lack of infield depth. The success and durability of Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts prevented it from becoming a debilitating issue, but on the rare occasions where they needed a day off, the substitutes were atrocious.

Marwin Gonzalez: .202/.281/.285 2 HR 20 RBI
Danny Sanatana: .181/.252/.345 5 HR 14 RBI
Jonathan Arauz: .185/.274/.369 3 HR 8 RBI

It’s clear that a backup infielder is a significant need for the Red Sox this offseason, and when you take cost into consideration, there may be no better option than Jed Lowrie. A 37-year-old who played just nine games from 2019-2020, Lowrie would be a low-risk addition who has a solid floor as a good-hitting utility infielder.

One of the strongest aspects of Lowrie’s game is his well-roundedness as a switch-hitter. Lowrie’s career OPS against lefties and righties are only thirteen points apart, giving him the ability to start against any pitcher. While his Mets tenure was unquestionably a disaster, he posted a 120 OPS+ from 2017-2018 and returned to being an above-average hitter in 2021.

It’s important to manage expectations with Lowrie. He is no longer a major-league caliber starter, but as a backup infielder, Lowrie can provide some thump off the bench and an immediate upgrade over the current options on the Red Sox roster.

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