Red Sox “as” free-agent shortstop Marcus Semien, even though they are not sure how much money it will take to sign him, Peter Gammons of The Athletic tweets. The semi is one of the best shortstops on the open market, but the Red Sox already have their answers in there Xander Bogaerts. They are also set to third base with Rafael Devers. The club has questions at second base, but Semien has not lined up there since 2014 as a member of the White Sox. The 30-year-old spent the previous six seasons with athletics and excelled at times especially in 2019. He has connections to the Red Sox in former college roommate Paul Toboni, the team’s scout director, Gammons notes.
More out of Boston:
- The Red Sox lost assistant general manager Zack Scott to the Mets, who hired him as their assistant GM and senior vice president on Wednesday. However, the move came with a condition. The Mets will not be allowed to hire anyone else from the Red Sox front office either this offseason or the next, reports Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. Presumably, New York’s heavy lifting in the front office is complete, with Scott joining newly hired team president Sandy Alderson and GM Jared Porter in Queens. Nevertheless, it’s interesting to see Boston protect itself from other potential front office departures.
- Tommy Kahnle signed with the Dodgers on a two-year deal this afternoon. However, the Red Sox were also on the free agent relief, reports Robert Murray from Fansided (Twitter link). Boston made a “strong offer” to Kahnle and came in second for its services, adds Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. The right-hand man was something of a unique case in the open market; after undergoing Tommy John surgery last August, Kahnle is likely to miss the entire 2021 season, but is an interesting upward game for the following year. If Boston is looking for more immediate right-handed bullpen help, there is no shortage of options available in free agency.
- The Red Sox signed a potential bullpen piece today and brought in Matt Andriese on a one-year deal with a club option in 2022. The veteran has been used almost exclusively as a relief over the past two seasons, though he will have the opportunity to claim a rotation job next spring, he told reporters (including Cotillo). Andriese expressed openness to both roles, noting that he expects the Red Sox front office to continue to investigate starting pitching additions this offseason. The right-hander broke into majors like a true swing piece with the Rays, starting 44 of his 72 appearances in Tampa Bay from 2015-17.