The Red Sox have made it clear that they are not looking to compete this year — they'd rather wait for top prospects to rise through the minor league ranks.
To their credit, or Chaim Bloom's, the farm is loaded right now with five players in Keith Law's top 100 prospects list. As it stands now, Boston has quality farm talent, and enough to make a significant impact in the coming years.
Despite lackluster performance in 2023, as well as the removal of a veteran presence with postseason experience like Chris Sale, the Red Sox refuse to add to the roster beyond Lucas Giolito or lower-tier free agents.
Boston has benefited from a consistent stream of veteran leadership, which has undoubtedly contributed to four championships since the turn of the century. Starting with Pedro Martinez, then David Ortiz and Dustin Pedroia, followed by Xander Bogaerts. Last year, it was Justin Turner and Sale, but now the situation is less clear.
There are plenty of veteran options who can not only contribute on the field but also make an even bigger impact off it.
Kiké Hernandez on the arrival of Justin Turner and his leadership:
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) February 7, 2023
“It’s a guy who’s going to help turn around that clubhouse… I felt that we needed some guys that were not just good on the field but had the ability to change a culture in the clubhouse”
🎥: @ChrisRoseSports pic.twitter.com/X2KkxKA03s
Three veteran clubhouse influences the Red Sox need to sign for 2024
Jordan Montgomery - LHP
Jordan Montgomery is practically on Fenway's doorstep, pleading to be a member of Boston's team. Yet because he desires a long contract, he's been left on the outside. For a guy who is a solid veteran presence who can immediately alleviate the pressure on Bryan Bello to be an ace and has a postseason ERA of 2.63, Montgomery would be a welcome addition to a team in a transitional phase of its roster.
Every team needs its rock. It doesn't always have to be the best player, but someone who takes the clubhouse by the reins and stabilizes things out. Someone who teaches the rookies how to be professionals, and when the postseason arrives, someone who has been there before and knows how to handle the added pressure.
If the team expects to compete, they need to have a stable foundation for guys like Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Kyle Teel to build off of. Currently, that position is vacant but could easily be filled should the front office spend the money to make it happen. Montgomery is the preferred option with his likelihood to contribute in a real way to help this team make a playoff push.