nesn
The Boston Red Sox have kicked off their offseason with a significant move, reportedly reaching an agreement with free agent Jake Bauers, who spent last season with the Milwaukee Brewers. Bauers played a key role in Milwaukee's run to its first World Series title, and his addition on a four-year deal worth under $60 million has excited the fanbase. However, while this is a strong start, it should not be the end of Boston's roster upgrades.
The Red Sox still have holes to fill, particularly on offense, and if they aim to rank among baseball's top offensive clubs in 2025, they must explore multiple avenues. One potential target that has surfaced in recent speculation is Brandon Lowe, the Pittsburgh Pirates free agent and one of the premier offensive infielders available. According to contract predictions from The Athletic, Lowe could be signed for a relatively modest three-year, $75 million pact.
Why Lowe Makes Sense for Boston
When healthy, Lowe has established himself as one of the most dangerous power-hitting second basemen in the game. The 2024 season was a testament to that, as he stayed on the field for a career-high 150 games, clubbing 29 doubles and 35 home runs while registering a 121 OPS+. His contributions weren't limited to the batter's box; he also excelled defensively, ranking in the 96th percentile in defensive run value among second basemen.
While the Pirates would undoubtedly welcome Lowe back, and he enjoyed his time in Pittsburgh, the likelihood of a return appears slim given the lucrative offers he is expected to receive in free agency, as noted by MLB insider Jim Bowden. For Boston, the question now is whether the front office, led by Craig Breslow, wants to add another left-handed hitter after already landing Bauers. But if the goal is to maximize offensive firepower, a player of Lowe's caliber is certainly worth considering, especially coming off a season in which his 35 homers were the second-most of his career, following a 31-homer campaign the year before.
Originally reported by nesn.