BoSox Injection
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 11
Next
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 04: Kevin Pillar #11 of the New York Mets runs the bases against the Washington Nationals during game two of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 04, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 04: Kevin Pillar #11 of the New York Mets runs the bases against the Washington Nationals during game two of a doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 04, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Red Sox free-agent target – OF Kevin Pillar

One of the few decent players on the infamous 2020 Red Sox team, Kevin Pillar’s value has plummeted after a disastrous 2021 season. He slashed an anemic .231/.277/.415 while having a career-high 23.2% strikeout rate and a career-low 3.2% walk rate. Plate discipline has always been an issue for Pillar, but it now has him on the cusp of being out of the league.

As bad as his 2021 season was, however, Pillar’s previous two seasons should earn him another look. From 2019-2020, Pillar slashed an acceptable .266/.300/.440 with 27 home runs and 19 stolen bases to go along with his usual above-average defense. With his long track record of at least average offense, it’s not unreasonable to chalk up his 2021 season as an anomaly on a wretched Mets team.

With the trade of Hunter Renfroe for Jackie Bradley Jr., the Red Sox are entering the 2021 season with a .497 OPS hitter at center field. Pillar would not only be an immediate offensive upgrade over Bradley Jr., but he is a better career hitter against lefties than Verdugo and can play above-average defense at all three outfield positions. He’s no longer a starting outfielder, but Pillar would be a good backup option if the Red Sox fail to sign one of the bigger free-agent outfielders.

Home/Red Sox News