Fansided

One free agent each MLB team needs to target this offseason

By Joshua Sadlock

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 27: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 07: Sergio Romo #54 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates against the New York Yankees on October 7, 2019 in game three of the American League Division Series at the Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 07: Sergio Romo #54 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates against the New York Yankees on October 7, 2019 in game three of the American League Division Series at the Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

Boston Red Sox: Sergio Romo

Who knows what exactly the offseason plans hold for the Red Sox, especially with J.D. Martinez deciding to stay put and under contract for the next three seasons instead of opting out to test free agency.

The Red Sox are coming off a disappointing season, and ownership is hinting that the current salary levels are not sustainable as the team continues to fly past the luxury-tax threshold. To that end, Boston has even floated the idea that superstar outfielder Mookie Betts can be had on the trade block for the right price.

The Red Sox are in a tough spot because so many of their biggest rivals for MLB dominance worked their way under the tax threshold. Boston is hemmed in by the large contracts given to David Price and Chris Sale. They finished the 2019 season nearly $36 million over the threshold and were slapped with a $12.6-million bill.

Getting below the tax line is understandably important for the Red Sox, whose farm system is nearly devoid of high-level talent. Now seems the right time to hit the pause button on being “all in” on doing whatever it takes to keep up with the Yankees.

Even if the Red Sox decide to go in that direction, they can’t punt entirely on the next few years. There’s still enough overall talent on the roster that they can contend for a Wild Card as they wait for their farm system to recover.

Boston’s bullpen was a wreck without Craig Kimbrel, and they can afford to spend on the lower tier of free-agent relievers this winter. Veteran right-hander Sergio Romo is one such option and has experience pitching in the AL East. The 36-year-old made just $2.5 million last season. He’s a cheaper option and a good fit for a team that needs to scale back its spending.

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