Free agent options to shore-up 2023 Boston Red Sox
By Rick McNair
David Robertson could close or any other bullpen duty for Boston
Right-hander David Robertson is “only” 38 years old, and I could swear he was part of the Yankees bullpen in 1964. In 2022 Robertson split time between the Cubs and Phillies, going 4-3, 2.40 in 58 games. Robertson also picked up 20 saves.
Robertson has appeared in 731 games over a 14-year career, and all his work is out of the ‘pen. Long relief, close, bridge, and anything else needed.
Robertson has been pitching chamaeleon during his career. Adapt to age and necessity with the change-up discarded a few seasons back, and the cutter is taking center stage (50.8%), joined by the curve and slider supplanting his fastball.
Robertson has long been a strikeout hurler with a career 11.9 K/9 but somewhat mitigated by occasional control issues. For the cost-conscious, Robertson is listed at 2/16, and considering the Red Sox bullpen, that may be a bargain.
Robertson certainly can still pitch and has a long history of playoff appearances (6-0, 2.78), can fill in where needed, and provide a degree of stability and security for a manager.
Tucker Barnhart could add solid catching depth for Red Sox
The Red Sox surprised by trading catcher Christian Vázquez, now a free agent, at the August 2 deadline. The solid Vázquez is listed at three years, $27M, and I doubt that payout will come from Boston. The Sox were in a catch-dumping mood and also cut ties with backup Kevin Plawecki in September.
The Red Sox made a quick move and went into trade mode for the lefty-hitting Reese McGuire, who averaged .337 over 36 games for his new team. McGuire also presented solid defensive skills, and best of all, in the Red Sox’ eyes, he comes cheap, as he won’t reach free agency until 2026.
Real ‘baseball cheap’ is his possible backup, Connor Wong, who won’t be arbitration-eligible until 2026, and won’t become a free agent until 2029. I am still deciding on the catching situation, but don’t feel comfortable with the projected tandem. Sox brass has indicated they plan to upgrade.
Tucker Barnhart is a two-time Gold Glove winner and as solid defensively as there is. Last season Barnhart received $7.750 MM from the Tigers and will not get close to that figure as a free agent. Barnhart hit only .221 last season and is a career .245 hitter and limited power. In 2022 Barnhart came in with a 63 wRC+. The catching free agent list has quite a selection but let’s assume Boston will not be dishing out big coin to rest behind the dish.
Barnhart would be an excellent insurance policy if McGuire’s offense is an illusion and Wong is just giving away at-bats. Then there is Sandy Leon, who is no stranger to free agency or DFA. I would be comfortable with Barnhart but even more comfortable if they brought back Plawecki.