The Boston Red Sox have been relatively quiet this offseason, making two trades to bolster their rotation with Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. However, they are still in need of adding depth to their roster as they aim to defend their World Series title. In this article, we will explore two potential free agent signings that could help the Red Sox achieve their goal.
One player who has been generating a lot of buzz in the MLB offseason is Munetaka Murakami. The Japanese corner infielder is set to hit free agency on December 22, and the Red Sox are rumored to be one of the frontrunners to sign him. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Boston could be a perfect fit for Murakami, as they are in need of more offensive firepower in their lineup. With Alex Bregman still on the market, Nightengale suggested that a potential trade involving prospect Tristan Casas could also be in the cards if the Red Sox secure long-term deals for both players.
While there is some uncertainty surrounding Murakami’s market, insider Ken Rosenthal believes that the talented hitter will find a home in the major leagues next season. Despite concerns about his strikeout and whiff rates, Murakami’s impressive hitting profile, with 265 career home runs, makes him an attractive target for teams looking to add power to their lineup. If the Red Sox were to sign Murakami, it could be a significant move to strengthen their offense for the upcoming season.
Another player linked to the Red Sox is reliever Evan Phillips. The Los Angeles Dodgers non-tendered Phillips, voiding his third year of arbitration contract worth $6.1 million. Phillips, who underwent Tommy John surgery, is looking for a one-year deal to prove himself after missing the 2026 season. Despite his injury concerns, Phillips has shown promise in the past, posting impressive numbers in the Dodgers bullpen in previous seasons.
The Red Sox, who are in need of bullpen help, have shown interest in Phillips as they look to solidify their pitching staff. With a track record of success in the postseason, Phillips could provide the Red Sox with a reliable arm out of the bullpen if he can return to form after his surgery.
In conclusion, the Boston Red Sox are actively exploring options to improve their roster for the upcoming season. The potential signings of Munetaka Murakami and Evan Phillips could address key areas of need for the team and help them remain competitive in their quest for another championship. Stay tuned for more updates as the MLB offseason continues to unfold.
This article was edited by R. Nikhil Parshy.
