Red Sox Hunt for Right-Handed Outfielders to Balance Lineup

As spring training begins, the Red Sox actively seek right-handed outfield options to balance their predominantly left-leaning lineup. Manager Alex Cora plans to use Masataka Yoshida primarily as the designated hitter but also in the field. Top prospect Ceddanne Rafaela a right-handed bat may contend for an Opening Day roster spot but a Triple-A start is also possible.

Currently, the Red Sox have right-handed options in Rob Refsnyder and Bobby Dalbec on the bench with Refsnyder known for his success against left-handed pitchers. In the free agent market available right-handed bats include Randal Grichuk, Michael A. Taylor, Tommy Pham and Adam Duvall with competition from other teams for their signings.

The team’s pursuit of additional outfielders aligns with reported interest from the Padres in a trade involving Jarren Duran although no deal is imminent. The Red Sox’s current payroll projection is $177.5 million with about $198 million in luxury tax considerations signaling a departure from the previous year’s payroll and the franchise record set in 2019. Recent weeks have seen the team linked to Duvall, Pham and Garrett Cooper in free agency.