Unless they really are just waiting out Alex Bregman.
More and more free agent options previously linked to the Sox have signed elsewhere. Outfielder Anthony Santander, who blasted 44 homers last season and was frequently mentioned as a potential fit as the right-handed bat (well, switch-hitting bat, in his case) the Red Sox have said they are looking for, signed with the Blue Jays on a five-year, $92 million deal. There is no indication that the Red Sox had any serious interest in Santander. (Jorge Castillo, ESPN)
There is an indication that the Red Sox had real interest in reliever Tanner Scott, who recently signed a four-year deal with the Dodgers. Reports are that the Sox remained in communication with Scott all offseason. The team, however, was gun shy about offering him a four-year deal, and previous reports that the Sox offered Scott a bigger deal than what he ended up signing with the Dodgers have been described as “very inaccurate.” (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
But hey, Lucas Giolito is basically a brand new acquisition, right? Right?? Giolito says he’s prepared for a full spring training, starting on day one, and is excited to implement the arsenal changes the Sox worked on with him prior to last year’s season-ending injury. (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic)
And maybe that vaunted right-handed bat will end up being Kristian Campbell. Campbell’s meteoric rise through the minor leagues surprised even him, but he’s coming to spring training with hope of competing for a job. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
And, hey, the Sox did just add a pitcher — unfortunately, he’s not one who’s going to be playing in Boston any time soon. The Sox acquired righty Matt McShane in a trade with the Pirates for Chase Shugart. McShane was drafted by the Pirates last year and has not yet thrown a professional pitch. (Sean McAdam, MassLive)