3 Red Sox players that should be re-signed before free agency arrives

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Three possible in season Red Sox free-agent signings

The Boston Red Sox will lose some names in the free-agent marketplace, and Xander Bogaerts is on a possible final tour as the de facto captain of the local nine. Bogaerts will opt-out and be looking for a $30 MM a year contract. J.D. Martinez and Nathan Eovaldi are also running out the string, and my anticipation is Boston will let them test the market. The three are almost a $60 MM LT hit.

We know that while FSG says they’re fine with Chaim Bloom spending in the offseason he has yet to really break the bank beyond Trevor Story. Could next season finally see him splash some cash? We know Red Sox Nation is clamoring for new deals for Bogey and Rafael Devers, but will we see anything beyond pay raises for the superstar duo?

Boston does have players on the roster now that can hit the market when winter hits and have played well enough to earn consideration for an extension. They will not be stratospheric contracts, and the players are part of what could be defined as support staff. But at the end of the day, the team will be far better with them here than without.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 24: Enrique Hernandez #5 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after the 16-3 win against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 24, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

Red Sox CF: Kiké Hernández

Kiké Hernández will be a free agent, and the Red Sox should be in the hunt for the likable and versatile Hernández. Kiké, in 2021, demonstrated his capabilities in just what outcomes he would have in an entire season. The righty hit .250, produced a 110 wRC+, banged out 20 home runs, and had a 4.1 fWAR.

Hernández was outstanding in the playoffs and his season-long positive defense was either in center field or second base and was solid. This season Hernández may need a jolt to match the figures of 2021, but at $7 MM a season and positive enough defense, he is worth the signing effort. Having a veteran still in the outfield to balance out the younger Alex Verdugo and even younger Jarren Duran will be wise.

Soon to be 31-years-old what you see is what you get. If Hernández would bite for a similar contract (2/14 M), the Red Sox should go all in. Above his on-the-field contributions, he has become one of the sparks in the clubhouse that keeps this team moving each day. Even when they were struggling you could see him at batting practice with a smile on his face trying to keep the energy positive around the ballpark.

BOSTON, MA – MAY 29: Christian Vazquez #7 of the Boston Red Sox runs the bases against the Baltimore Orioles during the second inning at Fenway Park on May 29, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /

Red Sox C: Christian Vázquez

Christian Vázquez is not the best defensive catcher in baseball nor the best hitter, but his backstop game is solid. The Red Sox were reportedly shopping for a catcher during the offseason, but nothing materialized. Age is becoming a factor since Vaz will be 32-years-old next season, which is ancient for a catcher.

Vázquez will not hit 23 home runs again as he did in 2019, and he will not lead the team in stolen bases as he did last season. As a hitter, Vaz realizes his ability and is quite adept at putting the ball in play in crucial situations, especially into right field. The Red Sox talking head analysis folks have pounded away at that point as if they are collectively the agents for Vázquez.

The Red Sox minor league system is not catcher rich, and Ronaldo Hernandez and Connor Wong may compete for a backup role if Boston lets Kevin Plawecki leave. Neither have scouting reports that make you think of Carlton Fisk. Boston could venture into a trade situation or do some free-agent shopping on a list that appears to be a sideward move.

Vázquez is having a solid season, and if that positive continues, a team will be willing to take a chance, and that is the big question – how much of a chance in years and salary? I would not hesitate to offer Vázquez a three-year extension and put the catching issue to rest for a few seasons.

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 06: Michael Wacha #52 of the Boston Red Sox in the fourth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 06, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Red Sox SP: Michael Wacha

The last on my list is right-hander Michael Wacha, who Boston signed at $7 MM for one season. This is the risk since it is pitching, and collectively we remember the early reward to Matt Barnes and how that worked out.

Wacha has been solid despite being a metrics outlier. Nothing jumps out, but the results are that Wacha produces outs and is as gritty as they come on the hill. My concern is just how fragile Wacha is? The soon-to-be 31-year-old will be much sought after if he continues to succeed. I’d pass.

Boston has surprising depth in the rotation with James Paxton and Chris Sale, hopefully fully recovered by 2023. Tanner Houck has shown promise. The minors have a sudden hot shot, Brayan Bello, returning Bryan Mata, and promising Brandon Walter. Lot of “Killer B’s” in the minors.

Going deeper into the system, Josh Winckowski had a recent spot start, and Connor Seabold had a taste of “The Show” in 2021 and has been outstanding in the International League. With the potential of Eovaldi leaving, possibly Wacha and Rich Hill, Boston’s system might finally be ready to have some productive starters surface.

So the next time Chaim Bloom gives me a call for advice, I’ll tell him to concentrate on Hernández and Vázquez since it is both good for the team and PR. Neither will break the bank, and both have earned another contract. If he finishes out the season how it’s gone to this point, I’ll recommend a deal for Wacha, but we have to see how 2022 ends first.

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