Is there more than one layer to the Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s rumored pursuit of one of the best sluggers available on the free-agent market?
The Red Sox made a strange turn of events and began to be strongly linked to outfielder Teoscar Hernández right after Japanese superstar Yoshinobu Yamamoto was declared off the board.
But following additional background provided on Sunday by Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, their involvement makes a lot more sense.
“The pursuit of Hernández reinforces the notion, expressed by multiple major league sources, that the Sox are actively exploring trade,” Speier stated. “Adding Hernández would make it easier to deal a young outfielder, whether in pursuit of controllable starting pitching or second base help — a development that underscores the fact that the team is weighing multiple offseason paths as it tries to upgrade not just its rotation but other areas of the team.”
In 160 games for the Seattle Mariners, Hernández hit.258 with 57 extra-base hits (26 home runs, 93 RBIs), a.741 OPS, and what was perhaps his poorest offensive season since his rookie year.
In 160 games for the Seattle Mariners, Hernández hit.258 with 57 extra-base hits (26 home runs, 93 RBIs), a.741 OPS, and what was perhaps his poorest offensive season since his rookie year.
He would provide significant value to an outfield group in need of reorganization. The greater plot, though, seems to be about what will happen if Hernández is signed by the Red Sox.
Breslow has already completed four trades but has only signed one free agent, giving right-hander Cooper Criswell a pitiful $1 million. It seems the trend is far from being over.
To whom may Breslow think about moving? With the exception of Masataka Yoshida and the newly acquired Tyler O’Neill, everyone seems to be out for grabs.
On Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, or Ceddane Rafaela, will Breslow sell well? Could rival teams be interested in Rob Refsynder’s team-friendly contract?
Hernández would complement the right-handed team. Breslow may be safe striking Duran and Abreu with his left hand if he prioritizes balance. Rafaela is accompanied by those two as big potential prospects.
If the Red Sox are looking to trade for a front-line starter, one of those three would have to be included; Boston may try to shop Refsynder in order to get a defensive-minded second baseman.
All three players seem to be on the verge of bursting out, and it would be unfortunate to see Breslow move on from them, particularly Duran, who began to demonstrate his influence in Boston.
The Red Sox ownership would not need to take such action if they began to part with their cash.
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