3 Red Sox starters who could be replaced by major free agent signings

3) Red Sox need to make a splash in free agency at catcher

The Red Sox don’t really have a true starting catcher at the moment. They’re trying a few different guys but with Christian Vazquez now on the Houston Astros and no obvious solution for next year, the team should be out there seeking new options in the winter.

The ideal situation would be for the Red Sox to bring back Vazquez. He already knows the team. The clubhouse loves him. It’s a perfect match. The tough part might be prying him away from Houston. They are the cream of the crop in the American League and should be right there again next year. The Astros have free agency catchers of their own and would be wise to retain him.

Boston could go out and get the other premium catcher expected to hit the open mark. Willson Contreras becomes available in free agency. While a different type of player from Vazquez, it’s hard to argue against his abilities. Contreras is one of the best hitting catchers in the game. His defensive reputation might not match Vazquez but he also isn’t a drain behind the plate.

For fans to take the Red Sox roster more seriously, they need some boost behind the plate. Contreras or Vazquez would be the answer. The pitching staff will thank the front office for it; not only for how they play the position but for the run support they will provide.