There are a wide variety of ways that MLB teams can add talent during the offseason.
One such example is the Rule 5 draft, an annual event in which big-league clubs can choose to use their open 40-man roster spots to poach qualified, unprotected prospects from other organizations.
You can refer to this previous BSI article for more information on the Rule 5 draft and which Red Sox prospects might be poached.
While Boston might lose some players in this event, they also have open 40-man roster spots and therefore could make an addition. Here are five targets in the Rule 5 draft who could provide immediate production for the Red Sox next season.
Devin Mann, INF, Royals
Mann was a fifth-round pick of the Dodgers back in 2018. He developed within the Los Angeles farm system before being traded to the Royals in a deal centered around Ryan Yarbrough last summer.
Through 126 games at Triple-A last season, Mann slashed .265/.369/.459 with a 118 wRC+, 20 homers, 79 walks, and 149 strikeouts. It's evident that he provided key contributions on offense, but needs to drastically reduce his strikeout-to-walk ratio.
At 26 years old, Mann is on the precipice of reaching the majors. He offers plenty of defensive versatility, logging time at all four infield positions plus left field last year, and would give Boston a platoon second baseman who could also play first base or come off the bench in particular matchups. Of course, he'd have to remain on the active MLB roster all year, lest he be returned to his previous team.