5 moves the Red Sox should make when the MLB lockout ends
By Jeff Runnals
Red Sox Free Agent Target: OF Seiya Suzuki
Before the lockout went into effect, the offseason started with star Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki as a dark horse free agent target for several teams. Over the weeks since, Suzuki’s popularity has increased amongst MLB fans, and several teams across the league have been said to have serious interest in the possible superstar. No team, however, has been linked to Suzuki more consistently than the Red Sox.
Suzuki checks several boxes: He’s a right-handed hitting outfielder who hits for power and average (38 home runs, .317 BA in 2021), he’s a plus defender (3x gold glove winner), he’s a fit for the future (turns 28 years old in August), and he will be cost effective (MLB Trade Rumors predicts a Suzuki will land a deal in the range of 5 years, $55 million). Suzuki fits the profile of a classic Bloom signing to this point in his Red Sox tenure, and likely with the highest upside of any of them.
And unlike Schwarber, Suzuki’s fit on the Sox’ roster is obvious. He would immediately slide into right field after the departure of Hunter Renfroe, and by all accounts should be able to play the position at a high level. Right field at Fenway Park is one of the most challenging outfield positions across the league, but Suzuki’s three gold gloves in Japan give him the best combination of age and defensive accolades of any outfielder remaining on the open market.
Why it makes sense:
Adding an outfielder with Suzuki’s capabilities both at the dish and in the field would be a major win for this Red Sox club, especially at his projected contract. A move like this has Chaim Bloom written all over it.