At present’s mailbag will get into offseason wants for the Crimson Sox, how the Cubs would possibly match Matt Shaw in, potential suitors for Willy Adames, whether or not Jo Adell has turned a nook, and way more.
Dave asks:
As a disgruntled Crimson Sox fan (principally because of John Henry pulling within the purse strings), what are the Crimson Sox’s greatest wants going into subsequent season? I feel as at all times the necessity for one more innings eater within the rotation. Additionally curious as to if Duran was provided as commerce, what sort of beginning pitching would he command? As totally free brokers – I do not suppose the Sox will carry again any of them. Though for the proper worth perhaps Pivetta.
Here is how the staff units up proper now:
That does not embrace a quartet of highly-regarded place participant prospects: outfielder Roman Anthony, shortstop Marcelo Mayer, infielder/middle fielder Kristian Campbell, and catcher Kyle Teel. And naturally, Rafaela can play middle in addition to the center infield.
The Crimson Sox will want somebody to separate time at catcher with Wong till Teel is prepared, whether or not it is Danny Jansen or one other veteran. Second base has been a problem, with Grissom, Enmanuel Valdez, and David Hamilton getting the majority of the taking part in time there. With Mayer, Campbell, and Rafaela all choices there, I do not see a lot room for a veteran.
The outfield items can transfer round as properly. Wilyer Abreu has had a superb rookie season, although he has not proven the power to hit left-handed pitching. That downside prolonged even to Devers and Duran this yr. Of the prospects I discussed, solely Campbell bats right-handed. Baseball America touched on this challenge lately.
Devers had a robust yr, whereas Story’s contract calls for a beginning job. Yoshida, additionally well-paid, may not have that luxurious. The Crimson Sox signed Rafaela to a $50MM contract in April, however he actually hasn’t hit exterior of July and is on monitor for a 1-WAR season. I am undecided the place he matches.
At 4.71 runs scored per recreation, this has been offense. That is regardless of giving common taking part in time to Rafaela. It additionally contains massive contributions from Tyler O’Neill, who appears more likely to go away as a free agent, and Rob Refsnyder, who’s unlikely to repeat.
Given the flexibility and uncertainty round a number of of those gamers, there are lots of methods subsequent yr’s lineup can shake out. I’ve seen the thought of buying and selling Duran talked about right here and there. Duran, 28, can be arbitration eligible for the primary of 4 instances in 2025 and is beneath management by way of 2028. He is cut up his time between middle and left subject in his breakout season, and performed each positions capably. He is one in every of baseball’s quickest gamers, his arm is powerful, and his Statcast hitting metrics are solidly purple.
Duran is on monitor for a 7-WAR season that in a few years would make him an MVP frontrunner. He supplied the majority of his offensive worth from June by way of August, throughout which he had a 168 wRC+. Duran has an 87 wRC+ in opposition to lefties this yr, although he did hit southpaws properly in June and July.
Unlock Subscriber-Unique Articles Like This One With a Commerce Rumors Entrance Workplace Subscription
- Entry weekly subscriber-only articles by Tim Dierkes, Steve Adams, and Anthony Franco.
- Be part of unique weekly stay chats with Anthony.
- Take away advertisements and help our writers.
- Entry GM-caliber instruments like our MLB Contract Tracker
