TJ MORIN
The Boston Red Sox have technically checked the boxes for getting an ace and a reliever, but they still need to get at least one righty slugger. According to Red Sox insider Alex Speier, the Sox are prominently discussing Alex Bregman, Randal Grichuk, and Teoscar Hernandez as their options.
Last season, Bregman hit .260/.315/.453/.768 with 26 homers and 30 doubles. He also could play either second or third for the Sox, but third is already taken by Rafael Devers, and the Sox have multiple prospects that are righties and can play second.
Hernandez’s past season was good as well. He slashed .272/..339/.501/.840 with 33 homers and 32 doubles. He would probably play the vacant left field, as he is not a very good defender, so having the Green Monster to his back would help him a lot.
Finally, Grichuk had a pretty good season too. He finished with lines of .291/.348/.528/.875, with 12 homers and 20 doubles. He also slams lefties, with a .940 OPS. He would play the left field as well.
Between the three, Hernandez is probably the best answer. He has the most pop in his bat, and his contract wouldn’t be huge. He could also fit into DH on days when the Sox want to play different outfielders. However, knowing the Sox, they will probably cheap out and go for Grichuk, who isn’t bad, but is not as good as the other two options.