The Boston Red Sox are quickly turning the page on a frustrating 2015 campaign, going full-bore into both the trade and free agency markets in hopes of returning to former glories. We're here to take a look at their work on the open market with our list of 3 Marquee Free Agents The Red Sox Could Actually Sign This Offseason.
3. RP Darren O'Day
Again, O'Day isn't the sexiest option. But, he's the best reliever on a thin free-agent market. The Boston Red Sox have learned something from the recent success of the Kansas City Royals -- they need more 7th and 8th inning bridge relievers that can serve as high-leverage options in close games. O'Day has been one of the best setup men in baseball over the past four years, posting a 1.92 ERA in that span with the Orioles. That's the exact reason why Boston has already expressed interest in the veteran reliever.
He also possesses a nuanced delivery which would make him a safe investment on a three-year deal, seeing that diminished velocity may not impact the effectiveness of his stuff like it would if he had a conventional approach. The Red Sox would be able to slot him anywhere from the 7th inning on and feel comfortable with his ability to be effective.
2. RHP Johnny Cueto
Cueto was spotty after being traded to Kansas City, but he's still an ace with a crafty changeable delivery that gives hitters fits. His health record knocks him down a few pegs, but there's only a few pitchers in this game who can perplex the same batter in four-straight at-bats with differing movement on the same pitches. His World Series Game 2 complete game is indicative of what he can do when he's got all of his secondary stuff working and keeps the ball down. Boston is going all-in for an "ace" this offseason, and Cueto fits the bill. He's second to Clayton Kershaw over the past five years in adjusted ERA among hurlers with 800 innings pitched or more.
1. LHP David Price
"Playoff David Price" and "Regular-Season David Price" haven't been the same person quite yet during his career, but he's still an in-his-prime lefty who's atop the ace heap and tops out almost every metric you can dream of for a #1 pitcher. Expect him to challenge, if not surpass, Max Scherzer's seven-year megadeal from last offseason. With as much money as he's going to command, the Red Sox are one of only a handful of feasible destinations for him. They'd be silly not to use the almighty dollar to their advantage to gain an upper hand in negotiations for a potential franchise-altering talent.
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