The Boston Red Sox made a blockbuster trade to acquire Adley Rutschman at the trade deadline, but according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, they are still looking at catchers in free agency.
Specifically, Heyman reported that the Red Sox are pursuing Ryan Jeffers, who was a hot name at the trade deadline. Jeffers posted an .814 OPS last season and likely would have set a new career high in home runs if not for a hand injury in the first half.
The Red Sox looking at catchers is certainly a surprise considering all they gave up to get Rutschman. However, they have a desperate need for some more power.
Craig Breslow has said the team will look at all possibilities to improve the offense, and if that means signing Jeffers, they may do it.
Jeffers would seemingly have to split designated hitter and catching duties with Rutschman, but that would also require the Red Sox to clear some space.
Right now, the outfield logjam is creating a scenario where the designated hitter spot is being used to make sure Jarren Duran, Masataka Yoshida, Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela all get regular at-bats.
However, if the Red Sox add Jeffers, he will need to be in the lineup every day, and the designated hitter spot will be needed to do that. Duran and Yoshida are prime candidates to be moved on from, and if that happens, the Red Sox can target any bat, regardless of position.