Ex-Red Sox Slugger ‘Would Certainly Like To Come Back’ To Boston

Would the Boston Red Sox dip back into their alumni pool to find the right-handed hitting outfielder the team desperately needs?

 

There are a few options on the open market to fill the role but one slugger already proved to have a perfect swing for Fenway Park and is in search of a new home. That player seemingly would be interested in a reunion.

 

“I noticed that Hunter Renfroe’s a free agent,” MLB.com’s Browne told Steve Perrault and Joey Copponi of the ITM Podcast on Wednesday. “(The Red Sox) need a right-handed bat. That could be someone that makes a little bit of sense. If you lose (Adam) Duvall, you lose (Justin) Turner, you are going to need another guy like that.

 

 

The fit would certainly be there, especially if Alex Verdugo is traded and right field becomes vacant. Renfroe could be a possible solution.

 

“I think that he would certainly like to come back here and he showed that he was a good fit for this place,” Browne said.

 

Renfroe hit .259 with 64 extra-base hits including 31 home runs, 96 RBIs and a .816 OPS (114 OPS+) in 144 games for the Red Sox in 2021.

 

The one-year wonder went on to play for a myriad of teams but maintained a similar level of production. His underlying metrics showed a regression from seasons past but he still posted a 91 OPS+ in 2023 despite having to be moved after the trade deadline due to the Los Angeles Angels dysfunction.

 

Renfroe would be a low-risk, high-reward play for the Red Sox, which was the case a few years ago — that worked out great. The 31-year-old likely is not atop the team’s wishlist but would be a smart investment after the rotation is largely worked out.