4 Bold Predictions for the Boston Red Sox's Offseason

The Star-Ledger-US PRESSWIRE

The Boston Red Sox will make some bold moves that will shock the baseball world this offseason.

Some of these include signing one of the top free agents for less money than they wanted and others include trading away some other players that will make room for even more prospects that are waiting in the wings.

 

David Ortiz Signs a 3-Year Deal

Bob DeChiara-US PRESSWIRE

With the Boston Red Sox set to talk to David Ortiz some time this week, according to ESPN.com's Joe McDonald, it will be time for the Sox to over the DH a multi-year contract.

Some sources say two years would be fine, but maybe it's time the Sox show Big Papi the respect he deserves by signing him to a three-year deal worth about $30 million.

This would save the Sox about $5 million a season that they can use on bringing in either pitching or some prospects that they could ship out for maybe even an ace that is on the market.

Nick Swisher Signs for 5 Years, $75 Million

Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

Nick Swisher has struggled for most of the 2012 postseason with a .154 average and one RBI in eight games. This lack of production will ultimately hurt his deal in this coming free-agent market where he will likely be looking for a new team.

Swisher was blamed by fans last week for Derek Jeter's injury due to misplaying a ball earlier in the contest. That was the last straw for Swisher.

The 31-year-old told the New York Daily News, “It’s a crazy game. Being here in New York, obviously there’s a lot of expectations. I don’t know what to say, bro. I’m just going to kind of let it go.”

This should mean a better chance for the Red Sox when Swisher hits the open market after the World Series.

Jake Peavy Signs for 3 Years, $52 Million

David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

Jake Peavy has the potential to flourish in a Boston Red Sox uniform after a solid season with the Chicago White Sox in 2012.

The 31-year-old had an 11-12 record with a 3.37 ERA in 219 innings pitched. He struck out 194 batters in that span while walking only 49.

With the White Sox reportedly not picking up his $22 million option, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, Peavy would be one of the few great starting pitchers on the market.

The Red Sox need a solid starter to go along with Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, and Peavy is that guy.

Jacoby Ellsbury Stays with Red sox

Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE

Jacoby Ellsbury has played pretty well—when healthy—for the Boston Red Sox. He is a tremendous outfielder and will likely be a valuable asset when he plays at least 90 percent of the games in a full season.

According to MLBTradeRumors.com, the Texas Rangers are slightly interested in the center fielder. This could mean a trade possibility in the offseason.

The Red Sox should just keep Ellsbury and see how he produces in a contract year. He may be a Scott Boras' agent, but he has all the potential in the world to be a great leadoff hitter for the Sox for the seven or eight seasons.

 

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