The Boston Red Sox reportedly signed starter Ranger Suarez to a five-year, $130 million contract on Wednesday. The acquisition certainly lifted spirits among the fanbase after they couldn’t re-sign Alex Bregman, who joined the Chicago Cubs on a five-year, $175 million deal.
Suarez, a career 3.38 ERA pitcher with a 53-37 record for the Philadelphia Phillies, gives the pitching staff a strong 1-2 punch alongside ace Garrett Crochet. The Red Sox have also made creative trades for starters Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals.
While the focus has been on the pitching staff, the Red Sox, valued at $4.8 billion by Forbes, have only slightly upgraded their lineup. They acquired Willson Contrera from the Cardinals. They are yet to replace Bregman’s leadership and production on their roster.
According to Foul Territory TV analyst A. J. Pierzynski, in conversation with Scott Braun and Erik Kratz on Wednesday, said the Red Sox are at par with their American League East rivals. He opined that Boston will eclipse New York should they sign third baseman free agent Eugenio Suarez.
“I think that’s how you finish this off,” Pierzynski said. “If you’re the Red Sox, you say, “All right, Gino, here’s one year, $20 million.” I don’t know what the numbers are—random numbers I’m throwing out there—but “here’s a two-year deal for $40 million” or whatever you think will get it done. Then you really finish off this offseason and say, “We’re pretty good right now.””
Suarez is the perfect replacement for Alex Bregman. He hit .228 with 49 home runs and 118 RBIs with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners during last year’s regular season. Entering his age-34 season, he will cost a lot less to acquire than Bregman but can bring a similar veteran presence.
Red Sox ‘Like’ Eugenio Suarez Sweepstakes
Insider Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam of Mass Live, in an exclusive on Jan. 13, reported that the Boston Red Sox are set to check in with Eugenio Suarez.
“According to a source with knowledge of Suárez’s market, the Red Sox have indicated they “like” Suárez and there’s an expectation that he will soon find out whether or not they plan on being serious bidders,” they reported.
They opined that the Red Sox might have to use Suarez in a designated hitter role as he gets older. That will prompt them to find internal solutions in the hot corner. Trevor Story, Triston Casas and Roman Anthony round out the rest of the infield.
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