A big signing might not be on the way this offseason for the Boston Red Sox, especially after the semi-recently implemented restrictions on the team's budget.
However, there are still plenty of opportunities for the club to make cost-friendly additions. These five players are bounce-back candidates that the Red Sox could potentially sign on team-friendly deals.
5 bounce-back candidates the Red Sox can target in free agency at a favorable price
Walker Buehler - SP
There have been plenty of rumors surrounding Buehler's potential move to Boston. With the Red Sox in desperate need of any pitching help they can get, Buehler seems like a risk worth taking. His 2024 numbers were pretty forgettable and he's had injury problems in each of the last three seasons, but he was brilliant in the years before that, and he showed some of his old potential in this year's postseason. Best of all, with a projected market value of only $3.9 million per year, the commitment on the Red Sox' part is insignificant.
Walker Buehler had the worst regular season of his career.
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) October 31, 2024
He was starting for the Dodgers in October out of necessity.
He pitched 5 shutout innings in Game 3 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium.
2 days later, he got the final 3 outs to win it all.pic.twitter.com/IAPdXFA8o8
Alex Wood - SP
Wood is coming off a rough year in Oakland after he made just nine starts and struggled over that small sample size. Still, he carries a career 3.78 ERA in over 1,250 innings pitched. The injury risk is concerning, but he's a low commitment, and once again, the Red Sox will take any contribution they can get in the realm of pitching. Even if he fills a bullpen role, he can be a valuable addition, provided he stays healthy.
Jose Leclerc - RP
Noticing a trend yet? Pitching is undoubtedly the biggest focus for Boston this offseason, and that includes the bullpen. Leclerc took a noticeable step back in 2024, managing just a 4.32 ERA and losing his closing role. However, he had stellar years in 2022 and 2023 and has a career 3.27 ERA, so he can pitch well in high-leverage situations. If he returns to form, he could be a valuable piece at the back end of the Red Sox bullpen.
Ty France - IF
The only position player on this list, France was designated for assignment by the Mariners and spent the remainder of his 2024 slate in Cincinnati. France hasn't been himself in the past two years, but he certainly has some potential, as evidenced by solid seasons in 2021 and 2022. He's also a righty hitter with power, which always plays at Fenway thanks to the Monster — he's averaged 29 doubles a season over the past four years. Whether he has a natural spot in the lineup is another issue, but if he can help the offense, the Red Sox could use him.
Paul Sewald - RP
Sewald struggled last season, along with much of the Diamondbacks pitching staff, and he was limited to just 39.2 innings due to injuries. But that might have been an anomaly because he was excellent in the three years prior. At 34, his best days might be behind him, but there's a good chance he can be effective on a short-term basis. If he regains his form as an elite high-leverage reliever, he'd be a huge boost to the Red Sox's 'pen.