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Inbox: Will Red Sox pursue Encarnacion?
- Updated: November 22, 2016
All the talk about not wanting to go after someone like Edwin Encarnacion — I just don’t know why they wouldn’t try to add that bat to the lineup. — Rick N., South Bend, Ind.
In a vacuum, the Red Sox would love to have a hitter like Encarnacion in their lineup. But I don’t believe they are interested in making a four- or five-year investment at this point in a player approaching his mid-30s. Reports have also circulated that the Red Sox would also like to avoid going over the luxury tax if possible. And Encarnacion is a right-handed hitter, and the Sox are more interested in getting a lefty bat (or switch-hitter) at this point.
• Submit a question to the Red Sox Inbox
Do you think the Red Sox would go after Rich Hill? — Mark H., Summerfield, Mass.
I know it would be a good feel-good story to see the Milton, Mass., native return to the Red Sox, but I don’t see it happening. The Red Sox could have bought low on Hill last offseason and chose not to. This year, they would have to buy high. I’m guessing that Hill enjoyed pitching in the National League, and would not be surprised at all if he stays there.
• Hot Stove Tracker
I’m wondering about the possibility of going after Brad Ziegler given his proven dominance. — Sam D., Roslindale, Mass.
Ziegler sure was a good fit after coming over in a trade with the D-backs last July, but I sense the Red Sox are looking for more of a strikeout pitcher to be their primary setup guy. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is usually pretty transparent when he discusses issues, and he didn’t sound very hopeful about re-signing Ziegler or Koji Uehara.
What is Chris Young’s projected role next year and contract status? Will he platoon with Andrew Benintendi? I feel the Sox benefit the more at-bats he gets. Could he help at designated hitter in place of David Ortiz? — Rich O., Falls Church, Va.
Young is under contract for one more year, and he’ll make $6.5 million. Look for him to start against every left-hander the Red Sox face in 2017, while also being mixed in against some righties. He …
