Red Sox re-sign 1B Mitch Moreland to one-year deal
The Red Sox continued shopping in the bargain bin on Tuesday, when they announced the re-signing of 34-year-old first baseman Mitch Moreland.
Moreland will make $2.5 million in 2020 with a $3-million club option (with a $500,000 buyout) for 2021, according to an industry source.
The Sox started the offseason without a first baseman or a second baseman, but have since signed Moreland, presumably to play first base against most right-handed pitching, and Jose Peraza, a utility man who the Sox expect to compete for the starting job at second. Free agent Brock Holt remains unsigned.
Peraza also signed for $3 million, continuing the Sox’ trend of looking for value without adding much to their payroll.
They still need to unload more than $20 million of salary based on annual average value if they intend to get under the $208-million luxury tax threshold, a desired goal (but not a mandate) from ownership. Most big-market clubs, including the Yankees and Dodgers, tend to reset the luxury tax every three years.
Moreland was once a Gold Glove first baseman but durability has been a huge issue for him in Boston, where his plate appearances have decreased from 576 to 459 to 335 over the last three years. Injuries to his hamstring, back and quad have been among those to limit his playing time.
But he continues to be a productive hitter, batting .252 with 19 homers and an .835 OPS in 2019. He hit 13 of his 19 homers in April and May before missing most of the summer with a quad injury.
Over three years playing his home games at Fenway Park, he’s hit .247 with a .782 OPS.
Moreland’s presence adds confusion about the role of Michael Chavis, who had an outstanding rookie campaign and wasn’t given a clear direction of which position he should focus on during offseason training.
The Sox had eyed Peraza for second base, leaving first base for Chavis, who could also compete with Bobby Dalbec for playing time. With Moreland in tow, the Sox could platoon him and Chavis at first base, or give Chavis a chance in the corner outfield positions.
If Mookie Betts is traded before Opening Day, at least the Sox have a little bit of depth, though they might be better off with an actual outfielder in that case. Chavis, a natural shortstop, has never played outfield at any level.
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/313oqhg
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