This offseason, the Boston Red Sox’s starting rotation is their greatest need, but there is still work to be done.
Boston’s lineup might benefit from having one more right-handed bat. Two-time All-Star Justin Turner, who was one of the Red Sox’s top hitters in 2023, was signed by the team. Despite this, he most likely won’t be playing at this location in 2024.
Turner is currently a free agent after declining the Red Sox’s player option. Though it seems improbable at this time, there have been rumors that he might be back in Boston. According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, the team may also target former Miami Marlins slugger Jorge Soler.
“The Red Sox clearly need pitching and that has to be a priority if they plan to compete in 2024,” McCaffrey stated. “But with Adam Duvall and Justin Turner leaving in free agency, the offense is still deficient. The Red Sox may seize the chance to bolster the offense first while agents are evaluating pitching offers and teams are considering trade possibilities since the market for pitching figures to be quite competitive.
“Although we’ve already mentioned that depth at second base is essential, adding a third right-handed hitter to the order would only be beneficial. Teoscar Hernández and Jorge Soler, two free agents, and Rhys Hoskins, a first baseman, are among the players who could alternate in the designated hitter position. A get-together with
Having played with the Marlins for the past two seasons, Soler has shown promise. In 2023, he hit 36 home runs, drove in 75 runs, hit 24 doubles, and slashed to win his first All-Star selection.137 games, 250/.341/.512.
In that case, the Red Sox would be making a very good pickup in the 31-year-old. The starting rotation is the top priority, therefore it’s uncertain how plausible a move is.
This offseason, Boston may wind up signing an All-Star slugger to occupy the designated hitter position.