At this time’s mailbag will get into offseason wants for the Crimson Sox, how the Cubs may match Matt Shaw in, attainable suitors for Willy Adames, whether or not Jo Adell has turned a nook, and way more.
Dave asks:
As a disgruntled Crimson Sox fan (principally because of John Henry pulling within the purse strings), what are the Crimson Sox’s greatest wants going into subsequent season? I believe as at all times the necessity for an additional innings eater within the rotation. Additionally curious as to if Duran was provided as commerce, what sort of beginning pitching would he command? As free of charge brokers – I do not suppose the Sox will convey again any of them. Though for the correct value perhaps Pivetta.
This is how the crew units up proper now:
That does not embody a quartet of highly-regarded place participant prospects: outfielder Roman Anthony, shortstop Marcelo Mayer, infielder/heart fielder Kristian Campbell, and catcher Kyle Teel. And naturally, Rafaela can play heart in addition to the center infield.
The Crimson Sox will want somebody to separate time at catcher with Wong till Teel is prepared, whether or not it is Danny Jansen or one other veteran. Second base has been a problem, with Grissom, Enmanuel Valdez, and David Hamilton getting the majority of the enjoying time there. With Mayer, Campbell, and Rafaela all choices there, I do not see a lot room for a veteran.
The outfield items can transfer round as effectively. Wilyer Abreu has had a wonderful rookie season, although he has not proven the power to hit left-handed pitching. That drawback prolonged even to Devers and Duran this yr. Of the prospects I discussed, solely Campbell bats right-handed. Baseball America touched on this difficulty just lately.
Devers had a robust yr, whereas Story’s contract calls for a beginning job. Yoshida, additionally well-paid, won’t have that luxurious. The Crimson Sox signed Rafaela to a $50MM contract in April, however he actually hasn’t hit exterior of July and is on monitor for a 1-WAR season. I am unsure the place he suits.
At 4.71 runs scored per sport, this has been a superb offense. That is regardless of giving common enjoying time to Rafaela. It additionally contains large contributions from Tyler O’Neill, who appears more likely to go away as a free agent, and Rob Refsnyder, who’s unlikely to repeat.
Given the flexibility and uncertainty round a number of of those gamers, there are a number of methods subsequent yr’s lineup can shake out. I’ve seen the thought of buying and selling Duran talked about right here and there. Duran, 28, will likely be arbitration eligible for the primary of 4 occasions in 2025 and is below management via 2028. He is break up his time between heart and left subject in his breakout season, and performed each positions capably. He is considered one of baseball’s quickest gamers, his arm is powerful, and his Statcast hitting metrics are solidly pink.
Duran is on monitor for a 7-WAR season that in a few years would make him an MVP frontrunner. He offered the majority of his offensive worth from June via August, throughout which he had a 168 wRC+. Duran has an 87 wRC+ towards lefties this yr, although he did hit southpaws effectively in June and July.
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