The Boston Red Sox didn’t have a very good offseason.
They needed to add pitching after losing Chris Sale and James Paxton, 40 percent of their rotation.
So far, they brought in Lucas Giolito for the rotation, but that’s it.
They have been in talks with Jordan Montgomery, but are waiting for his price to come down and that’s not a given.
In the meantime, none of the Red Sox starters project to have an ERA lower than 4.29, according to FanGraphs.
They at least turned their attention to the lineup and are reportedly bringing in a reliable veteran slugger at a discount cost.
“Sources tell me and @KenRosenthal the Red Sox have a minor league deal with first baseman C.J. Cron, adding another right-handed power bat into the mix,” Red Sox insider Chad Jennings tweeted.
Sources tell me and @KenRosenthal the Red Sox have a minor league deal with first baseman C.J. Cron, adding another right-handed power bat into the mix.
— Chad Jennings (@chadjennings22) March 1, 2024
Cron has 187 home runs and a career .791 OPS, both solid numbers.
However, 2023 wasn’t the best for him as he slashed a slightly disappointing .248/.295/.434 with a .729 OPS in 71 games, with 12 round-trippers.
Cron’s OBP might be a concern, but when he connects, he hits the ball hard and far.
The Red Sox are hoping to get some cheap depth for their lineup, and a guy who can run into one and send it to the stands every once in a while provided he wins a spot on the roster.
Cron could spell Triston Casas and Masataka Yoshida at first base or the DH spot, respectively, if one of them goes down with an injury or needs rest.
There has been talk of the team looking to trade Yoshida, so there is that, too.
Cron will have to prove he is in top form first, though.
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