A former MLB general manager addressed a specific weakness for the Boston Red Sox to address this season.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden pinpointed problems and potential fixes for six struggling contenders. He called missing Alex Bregman the “biggest issue” for Boston when noting the offense’s limited production at third base and second base.
Bowden labeled those two infield spots “offensive black holes” for the Red Sox. The solution? Acquiring a new third baseman and having Caleb Durbin and Marcelo Mayer vie for reps at second.
“The Red Sox need a third baseman,” Bowden wrote. “The Astros (Carlos Correa, Isaac Paredes), Twins (Royce Lewis) and Giants (Matt Chapman) could make sense as possible trade partners. The Sox have enough in their farm system to make a deal work. Then they could use Durbin as a super-utility player or second baseman, which would be better roles for him.
“Without adding a bat, however, I’m not sure the Red Sox have enough offense to compete for the division.”
Bowden also mentioned Boston’s underperforming starting rotation as a problem. However, they can hope Garrett Crochet turns the corner and Sonny Gray returns strong from a hamstring injury.
Offense is a more pressing concern for a team batting .229 with an American League-low 13 home runs this season. Durbin has started his Red Sox career by hitting .155/.250/.225 in 80 plate appearances, and Mayer is also below the Mendoza Line with a .196 batting average.
Boston will need better production from both spots to escape the American League East’s cellar and return to the playoffs.
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