MLB Free Agency: 5 Reasons Boston Red Sox Should Target Michael Cuddyer

Michael Cuddyer fits one of the needs that the Boston Red Sox need to sign this offseason: a right-handed bat that supplies some power. MLB free agency is well underway and Josh Willingham just got signed by the Minnesota Twins, so Cuddyer is now high on the free-agency list as far as outfielders go.

The Red Sox are starting to get some deals done and Cuddyer needs to be the main focus, other than filling out the rest of the starting rotation.

Power Numbers

Cuddyer has averaged 22 home runs and about 82 RBI over the last three seasons, and the Red Sox could use someone to replace JD Drew in this lineup. The Red Sox need to get some off the free-agency market who can light it up with their bat.

Sure, he is 32 and that is when players start to lost their power, but a three-year deal with Cuddyer would definitely help the Sox in the long run.

Health

Cuddyer has been in the majors since 2001, and seven of his 11 seasons have been relatively healthy. In these seven seasons, he has played over 110 games each year and well over 300 at-bats each season.

The Sox need a right fielder who can stay on the field, and Cuddyer is a viable option seeing as he can remain in the lineup for most of the season without complaining of every single cramp.

Cost

Cuddyer is rumored to want a three-year deal worth about $36 million. The Sox could pay him this money and still be under the amount for a hefty luxury tax. Cuddyer is worth it!

The Colorado Rockies and the Seattle Mariners are the leaders for Cuddyer at the moment, but the Sox need to strike fast and snatch this potential all-star and plug him into this already amazing lineup.

Speed

Cuddyer may not seem that fast, but in 2011 he totaled 11 stolen bases and was only caught stealing once. This type on base-stealing ability is one that the Sox could use throughout their lineup.

Cuddyer may not be a fast base-runner, but he is a smart base-runner who can move around the bases easily and knows when he can steal that base that can turn a game around.

Not Many Other Options

The right fielder options for the MLB free-agency market in 2011 are very limited. Some other options are Carlos Beltran or Ryan Ludwick. They need a right-handed bat in this lineup in order to spread out the left-handed threats of David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez.

Ludwick is probably cheaper, but he also hits less home runs. He has only hit 20-plus homers in two seasons. Beltran would be the best option for the Sox, but he is too expensive for the Sox to give him a look.