Red Sox Likely to Sign Affordable Slugger to Fill Key Roster Gap
The Boston Red Sox find themselves in a challenging position this offseason, two months removed from losing their 2024 home run leader, Tyler O’Neill, to free agency. With no suitable replacement yet secured, the team is facing increasing pressure to address a glaring hole in their lineup.
O’Neill’s departure leaves Boston without a significant power threat, particularly against left-handed pitching. Last season, O’Neill hit 31 home runs, serving as a cornerstone of the Red Sox offense and one of the few right-handed sluggers in a lineup heavily tilted to the left. With O’Neill gone, the roster imbalance becomes even more pronounced, potentially complicating their ability to compete against left-handed pitching in 2025.
While there are big-name right-handed bats still available, such as former Houston Astros All-Star Alex Bregman, the Red Sox seem hesitant to make a long-term financial commitment. Bregman is expected to command a lucrative, multi-year deal that could extend beyond Boston’s budgetary comfort zone. As a result, the team is exploring more cost-effective options.
A Realistic Option: Randal Grichuk
According to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, Randal Grichuk could be a practical solution for Boston. The 33-year-old outfielder and designated hitter, who last played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, offers a blend of affordability and offensive capability. Grichuk posted a strong 140 OPS+ in 2024, hitting 20 doubles, 12 home runs, and driving in 46 runs across just 279 plate appearances. His career .833 OPS against left-handed pitching makes him an appealing addition to a lineup that desperately needs more balance.
Grichuk’s skill set mirrors that of current Red Sox outfielder Rob Refsnyder, who is also effective against left-handed pitching. While the two players are somewhat redundant, utilizing both in a platoon role could provide a much-needed boost against southpaws. However, Grichuk’s limited defensive versatility and struggles against right-handed pitching may limit his overall impact.
Affordability a Key Factor
What makes Grichuk particularly attractive is his projected cost. Spotrac estimates that Grichuk could be signed for a modest two-year deal worth just under $7 million. This aligns with the Red Sox’s apparent focus on budget-conscious roster moves, a strategy that has drawn criticism from some fans but remains central to their offseason approach.
While Grichuk is not an everyday solution, his addition would still address a significant gap in Boston’s roster. Ideally, the Red Sox would secure a more versatile and consistent right-handed bat, but if budget constraints prevent them from pursuing higher-tier options, Grichuk represents a solid fallback plan.
Looking Ahead
Replacing O’Neill’s production remains a daunting task, and the Red Sox will need to ensure that any new additions complement the existing core of left-handed hitters like Rafael Devers, Triston Casas, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Masataka Yoshida. Adding Grichuk would at least provide a short-term solution, especially in matchups against left-handed pitching.
Ultimately, Boston’s willingness to spend—or lack thereof—will dictate how competitive their lineup can be in 2025. While signing Grichuk might not electrify the fan base, it could still serve as a step toward rebalancing the roster after the loss of their biggest power threat.
