The Boston Red Sox underwent a lackluster offseason, particularly in addressing their pitching needs following the departure of key pitchers Chris Sale and James Paxton, amounting to a significant loss in their rotation.
Their sole acquisition for the rotation has been Lucas Giolito, with ongoing negotiations with Jordan Montgomery, albeit contingent upon a potential reduction in his asking price. Consequently, none of the projected Red Sox starters are anticipated to post an ERA below 4.29, according to FanGraphs.
In response, the team shifted focus towards bolstering their lineup, reportedly securing a deal with veteran slugger C.J. Cron on a minor league contract, adding another potent right-handed bat to their arsenal.
Sources tell me and @KenRosenthal the Red Sox have a minor league deal with first baseman C.J. Cron, adding another right-handed power bat into the mix.
— Chad Jennings (@chadjennings22) March 1, 2024
Cron brings with him a solid track record, boasting 187 home runs and a career .791 OPS. However, his performance in 2023 fell slightly short, recording a .248/.295/.434 slash line with a .729 OPS across 71 games and 12 home runs.
While Cron’s on-base percentage may raise some concerns, his ability to make solid contact and generate power remains noteworthy. The Red Sox aim to leverage his talents to provide cost-effective depth to their lineup, with Cron potentially serving as a valuable option to spell Triston Casas at first base or Masataka Yoshida at the designated hitter spot in case of injuries or fatigue.
Speculation also surrounds the possibility of trading Yoshida, further emphasizing the importance of Cron’s potential contribution. However, Cron must first demonstrate his readiness and form to secure a spot on the roster.
