It is no secret that the 2025 free agency class is stacked with talent, with stars like Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, and Willy Adames headlining the list. However, even with their financial flexibility, the Boston Red Sox will only land some of the top-tier players available.
Along with the top-of-the-line stars, this year’s free agency class also boasts many under-the-radar talents. If the Red Sox wish to keep their promise of spending big this winter, they should look at these three lesser-discussed free agents.
3 under-the-radar free agents the Red Sox should target this winter
Shane Bieber
The first free agent on our list is starting pitcher Shane Bieber, who, despite his recent injuries, has the ability to be a top-end starter for a championship contender. In a fully healthy 2022 when he finished seventh in American League Cy Young voting, Bieber pitched to a 2.88 ERA, an FIP of 2.87, and an ERA+ of 131 over 200 innings of work.
While injuries may be of concern for Bieber, if the Red Sox miss out on the likes of Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, or Blake Snell this winter, he would be a solid replacement. The two-time All-Star has proved to be a workhorse, as in his seven seasons, Bieber has pitched an average of 212 innings per 162 games. And, if the 2024 season proved anything for Boston, it was that they needed quality pitchers who could go deep into games. Bieber fits that bill perfectly.
Ha-Seong Kim
The second player on our list is middle infielder Ha-Seong Kim. While Kim took a step back from his Gold Glove 2023 season, 2024 was still a productive year. In 121 games, Kim slashed .233/.330/.370 with a .700 OPS, an OPS+ of 96 and a wRC+ of 101. While Kim’s offensive output may be underwhelming, his value comes in his glove. He finished in the 85th percentile with four outs above average and two defensive runs saved last season.
Kim would be a solid get for Boston. He may not be an offensive powerhouse, but he brings both an excellent glove and versatility to the infield. In addition to playing shortstop, Kim has proven his defensive value at both second and third base. In 1004.2 innings of work at second, he has accumulated 15 defensive runs saved and eight OAA. At third, it is much of the same, as in 590.1 innings, he has stacked up nine DRS and two OAA.
Joc Pederson
The third and final player on our list is Joc Pederson. Once a top prospect with the Dodgers, Pederson has exploded onto the scene in the past few seasons, with 2024 arguably being his best. In 132 games with Arizona, Pederson lit up the box score. He slugged 23 homers, 64 RBI, and slashed .275/.393./515 with a .908 in addition to his 151 OPS+ and wRC+.
If the Red Sox were to lose out on Soto or Teoscar Hernández, Pederson would be a great option, considering his massive offensive output. Additionally, with rumors swirling that Masataka Yoshida may be on the move this season, Pederson would be able to fill the role of Boston’s designated hitter.