I understand that this will likely be an unpopular proposal, but if Bautista is willing to sign a 1 year deal, how bad could it be? I am fully aware that he'll cost the Red Sox their first round pick, and the money from the pool they'll have to sign players from the draft. I'm weighing that consideration against the likely improvement they could get from adding him to the roster for 2017 (and possibly 2018, if there were an option year tacked on). Bautista could play in the OF, at 1b, and in dire circumstances, fill in at 3b. He still features and elite bb rate, and has power that should play anywhere.
If the Red Sox were willing to do a 1 year, 20 mil deal with a club option for 2018 at another 20 mil, they could potentially add a middle of the order bat with little downside. If their "window" of focus is on the next 3 years, it would be hard to argue that they could add another player of more impact than Bautista, so DD may be willing to jump at the chance to sign him based on his market rate having plummeted.
I'm not 100% sold that I'd do this as a Red Sox supporter, but it at least merits discussion. If not, Happy Holidays, and may the stove always be hot in your home.
If the Red Sox were willing to do a 1 year, 20 mil deal with a club option for 2018 at another 20 mil, they could potentially add a middle of the order bat with little downside. If their "window" of focus is on the next 3 years, it would be hard to argue that they could add another player of more impact than Bautista, so DD may be willing to jump at the chance to sign him based on his market rate having plummeted.
I'm not 100% sold that I'd do this as a Red Sox supporter, but it at least merits discussion. If not, Happy Holidays, and may the stove always be hot in your home.