The Boston Red Sox could end up making a move soon.

Boston still has some holes on the roster with Spring Training quickly approaching. Before it gets here, the Red Sox still need to improve the starting rotation and likely add a right-handed slugger to help out as the club’s designated hitter.

The Red Sox had Justin Turner filling the role last season and he was impressive. While that is the case, he currently is a free agent. Another former Red Sox slugger also is a free agent in Adam Duvall.

It’s unclear if a move is imminent, but Boston reportedly is “still engaged” with both Turner and Duvall about a possible reunion, according to the Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham.

“Some Red Sox news: Kyle Hudson will be the (third base) coach with Andy Fox at (first base),” Abraham said. “Jarren Duran is fully cleared for spring training. No limitations. Sox are still engaged with (free agents) Adam Duvall and Justin Turner. But plans remain not to have a regular DH. (At-bats) will be spread around.”

Both Turner and Duvall have been mentioned as free agent possibilities at different points this offseason. Turner was impressive in the role last season but is 39 years old. Duvall impressed last season in the outfield but dealt with injuries.

It sounds like the Red Sox don’t want to sign someone to just be the club’s designated hitter, so they need someone with defensive upside. At this point, a move for Duvall may make more sense than Turner.

Duvall could help out in all three outfield spots plus provide a solid right-handed bat in the middle of the lineup. Turner certainly could help defensively as well, but Boston is more covered in the infield.

It’s unclear what Boston will do, but it sounds like a signing could be coming.

Further Reading:

The trajectory of a baseball prospect can often be filled with twists and turns. This is the story of Boston Red Sox’s outfielder, Miguel Bleis, who despite narrowly missing the Top 101 list, has shown undeniable potential. His breakout season at the Florida complex in 2022 positioned him as a promising outfield prospect, but his journey hit a bump as he transitioned to the Carolina League.

A Promising Start Followed by Challenges

Bleis’s journey to full-season play wasn’t without its challenges. A shift to the Salem team in the Carolina League saw a decline in his performance. His contact rates and swing decisions, once the highlights of his game, showed signs of regression. This is a common struggle for young players moving up to full-season play, but for Bleis, the struggle was accentuated.

The Impact of Injuries

Complicating matters further, a shoulder injury ended Bleis’s season prematurely. This resulted in lost developmental opportunities, a significant setback for a player at such a pivotal point in his career. However, despite the injury and the resulting challenges, Bleis’s promise remains largely intact.

Looking Forward

With above-average hitting and power capabilities, there’s much anticipation around how Bleis will adjust when he returns to the field. His potential to remain a center fielder adds to his appeal. While his developmental journey may have hit a bump, his upside remains largely intact. The world of baseball waits with bated breath to see how this promising player will bounce back.