Red Sox Insider Casts Doubt On A Free Agent Rumor

Despite adding several talented players in the offseason, the Boston Red Sox still need some help.

They still need a catcher, probably another infielder, and some pitching.

In recent days, rumors about Boston being interested in free agent utilityman Yuli Gurriel have been circulating around the baseball industry.

Red Sox insider Chris Cotillo, who covers the team for MassLive.com, doesn’t seem to buy them, though.

“Seen the Gurriel rumors. To me, redundant on the roster with Turner and Dalbec (even if Dalbec may be traded). Not getting the indication anything is imminent there,” he tweeted.

Seen the Gurriel rumors. To me, redundant on the roster with Turner and Dalbec (even if Dalbec may be traded). Not getting the indication anything is imminent there.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 6, 2023

Triston Casas is expected to be the starter at first base, and there is a case to be made that Bobby Dalbec, even with his notorious contact issues, is a better option than going out and spending dollars on Gurriel.

Gurriel’s floor is definitely higher than Dalbec’s, but his upside is much more limited.

The other position he can realistically cover, third base, is currently Justin Turner‘s spot.

He could be a utilityman in Boston, but does not seem to be a priority signing for them at this point.

Perhaps things will change if we move closer to spring training and Gurriel is still without a team, but as of now, Boston seems to be focused on other targets.

Gurriel, 38, has a marvelous career in MLB, but hit just .242 with a .648 OPS with the Houston Astros in 2022.

If he doesn’t get an MLB deal of his liking, it’s not out of the question that the accomplished Cuban infielder decides to hang up his cleats.