Fansided

One free agent each MLB team should sign right now

By Joshua Sadlock

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Alex Cobb
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 27: Starting pitcher Alex Cobb /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 14: Trevor Rosenthal #44 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 14, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 14: Trevor Rosenthal #44 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 14, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Boston Red Sox: Trevor Rosenthal

The Red Sox had one big, obvious move to make this offseason, and they accomplished it by finally signing J.D. Martinez. Boston suffered through a huge power outage in the first year after David Ortiz’s retirement, and Mookie Betts and Hanley Ramirez suffered the most without Big Papi’s protection. The signing didn’t come together as quickly as most Red Sox fans would have liked, but in the end, Dave Dombrowski got his man for a very fair price.

Signing Martinez should all but wrap up what has been a very solid offseason for the Red Sox. With their own power bat, they managed to match the New York Yankees acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton. Boston also kept valuable role players Mitch Moreland and Eduardo Nunez. Nunez will see plenty of playing time early in the year while Dustin Pedroia recovers from his knee surgery. Moreland may not see as much playing time as he initially imagined when re-signing with the Red Sox, but will still provide strong defense in the late innings of games in relief of Ramirez.

There isn’t much need for the Red Sox to bring in veterans on minor-league deals as the position players are pretty much set in stone. The starting rotation is also locked and loaded. Same goes for the bullpen. Perhaps the Red Sox could consider taking a flier on Trevor Rosenthal before he returns from Tommy John surgery.

Realistically, the Red Sox are unlikely to ink another free agent. Their payroll is already tops in the league and the roster looks strong from top to bottom. Rosenthal was one of the better young closers before his elbow injury, and the Red Sox could stash him away this year and hope he is ready for 2019 when Craig Kimbrel becomes a free agent.

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