Dombrowski hints at finding less expensive options as he seeks offensive upgrade

ORLANDO  - Over the last few weeks, the Red Sox have been linked to players at the top end of the market in their search for a power bat. Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins is the most talked-about trade option and J.D. Martinez and Eric Hosmer are the names most associated with the Sox from the free agent class.

But what if the Red Sox don’t think those options represent good value? What if they’re too expensive – either in terms of salary demands or players in return?

Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski addressed how he views the options Tuesday.

“I do read those names I think you’re referring to,’’ said Dombrowski “and I think you have to (be careful not) to get carried away that that’s for sure the direction that you’re going. In today’s world, you not only make decisions on players’ ability but you also talk about contracts and those all come into play. You do have to weight all of those things.  I do think that there are quite a few players that (can) help us with what we need to do.  Maybe they’re not as high profile as some other names.’’

Toward that end, Dombrowski has been covering his bases by meeting here with representatives for a number of other free agents, including Carlos Santana, Logan Morrison and Lucas Duda.

It’s widely assumed that both Martinez and Hosmer will land nine-figure deals. But Sanatana, Morrison and Duda will likely attract far less and represent more modest investments.

And Dombrowski continues to emphasize that the Sox, at least in his mind, don’t necessarily have to do something major to improve for 2018.

“You have to remember that we still won 93 games,’’ he said. “So we’re not in a position (where) we’re not looking to revamp our ballclub. We’re looking to make an addition and I think there are quite a few guys out there who could help us. Now, can we acquire that talent? We’ll have to wait and see. But I don’t think there are just three players (from which to select).’’

Another potential issue is the timeline. Both Martinez and Hosmer are represented by Scott Boras, who typically has his clients sign later into the off-season, improving their chances of capitalizing on changes in the market, or, perhaps, taking advantage of a team that has waited too long into the winter and is desperate to make a big splash.
If the Sox – or other teams – aren’t careful, they could find themselves in the bidding for one of Boras’s clients, see him sign elsewhere and be left without other options.

“I think you weigh all those things,’’ acknowledged Dombrowski. “I don’t really have an answer. If you wait for someone, does the other option disappear on you? Those are the things that you’re weighing. (Boras) has waited and generally gotten contracts for his guys, but sometimes, it’s not until real late. So I think, (you have to know) what other options do you have if you wait too long?’’