Red Sox: 1 move Boston must make after brutal 0-2 start

The Boston Red Sox have lost two games to the Baltimore Orioles to start the season. Something has to give.

It’s an overreaction to freak out about two losses to start the season. That overreaction only intensifies when you realize those two loss came against the Baltimore Orioles.

Alex Cora’s Boston Red Sox were expected to improve upon their lackluster 2020 campaign, especially considering he’s back at the helm for the first time since a forced exit over the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal.

Boston hasn’t started the season 0-2 since Bobby Valentine was manager…and we all know how that season and managerial career ended.

The Red Sox lost both games of the close variety, as their pitching broke down late in allow the Orioles to steal two contests in Boston. They easily could have swung the other way, but it speaks to a clear weakness with the Red Sox — consistency at the bottom of their lineup. With Jackie Bradley, Jr. heading elsewhere, we can think of a free agent fit that just makes sense.

The Boston Red Sox should sign Yasiel Puig

The Red Sox outfield went a combined 0-for-12 in Boston’s loss on Saturday afternoon. Sure. Kiké Hernandez and Alex Verdugo are in the Red Sox long-term plans, while they traded for Franchy Cordero in the Andrew Benintendi move. Still, what’s wrong with more depth, especially for a proven player at a decent price.

Puig isn’t going to demand a hefty contract, especially not now that the season has already started. He hasn’t played in over a full year as his expected contract with the Atlanta Braves in 2020 was nixed due to a positive COVID-19 case.

While Puig wouldn’t be ready to play right away, he’d be a solid addition to a position of need in Boston. His ability to play either of the corner outfield spots also gives the Sox some positional flexibility, and his bat has a lot of power. It’s worth a shot, and sure beats losing to the Orioles.