The Boston Red Sox went into the winter meetings with interest in a lot of the top sluggers on the market.
But they watched as a few of the top names signed with other teams. The Baltimore Orioles agreed to a deal with slugger Pete Alonso shortly after the Philadelphia Phillies re-signed Kyle Schwarber. As a result, the Red Sox have been backed into a corner this offseason. They need to make a move for a middle-of-the-order bat to keep pace in the American League East.
Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reported on Tuesday that the Red Sox were targeting St. Louis Cardinals infielder Brendan Donovan in a potential offseason blockbuster.
“The Red Sox’ wide search for major offensive upgrades at the Winter Meetings has sent them to the trade market, where they have explored possible deals for at least four different All-Stars, according to a league source,” Healey wrote. “They have discussed second baseman Ketel Marte with the Diamondbacks, shortstop Corey Seager with the Rangers, third baseman Isaac Paredes with the Astros, and infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan with the Cardinals, a source said.”
The Red Sox have already made a trade with the Cardinals to bring in Sonny Gray. Diving back into the market to bring in a reliable second baseman would make a lot of sense.
Donovan has defensive versatility, so he could play either second base or first base for the Red Sox. A trade would cost a bit of prospect capital, but it wouldn’t be nearly as much as a trade for a superstar like Ketel Marte or Corey Seager would.
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