Boston Red Sox "Poking Around" Two More Free Agents

The Boston Red Sox, amidst their efforts to bolster their starting rotation, have also shown interest in two notable free agents: infielder Amed Rosario and right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson.

This interest emerges as part of the Red Sox's broader strategy to reinforce their roster following somewhat underwhelming seasons in 2022 and 2023.

Amed Rosario, 28, began his Major League career with the Mets in 2017 and later moved to the Cleveland Guardians as part of the Francisco Lindor trade.

The Red Sox have poked around Robert Stephenson and Amed Rosario among others, according to @ChrisCotillo. pic.twitter.com/F955xjPJAT
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) December 28, 2023

Rosario has been a league-average starter, with his performance peaking and dipping over the years.

The 2023 season saw him struggle, especially in terms of defense, culminating in a trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Despite these fluctuations, his addition to the Red Sox could be strategic.

The team had one of the weakest productions from their second basemen in 2023, and Rosario's performance, even in a down year, would be an improvement.

Furthermore, his solid defense at second base, a position he adapted to with the Dodgers, and his potential to not obstruct the path of top infield prospects make him a sensible choice for Boston.

While Red Sox remain focused on starters as top priority, they're active in a few markets. Have heard they've poked around on Robert Stephenson and Amed Rosario, among others. Not sure how strong they are on those players.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 28, 2023

Robert Stephenson, 30, has had a varied career since being drafted by the Reds in 2011. Initially struggling as a starter, he found his groove in the bullpen.

His 2023 season was a tale of two halves, with a challenging start at Pittsburgh but a remarkable turnaround following a trade to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he showcased an impressive 42.9% strikeout rate.

His strong performance makes him an attractive option for teams needing bullpen reinforcement, including the Red Sox.

However, Boston's current bullpen strength, featuring Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin, makes the fit for Stephenson less straightforward.

The Red Sox could potentially leverage their bullpen depth in trades if they secure Stephenson. Photo Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports