Here Are Three Recently Released Players Who Could Help Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are riding a six-game losing streak after going 3-6 on their recent West Coast road trip and dropping Friday’s series opener to the Toronto Blue Jays.

With the Red Sox offense struggling to score runs after trading two-time All-Star Rafael Devers on June 15 and prized offseason addition Walker Buehler allowing 28 runs over his last 27 innings, this is a team that promises to be active during the upcoming Major League Baseball trade deadline.

While Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow can certainly wait until next month to acquire players who he believes can get the Red Sox back in postseason contention, there are always options who can be signed much cheaper to sign via free agency.

Let’s take a look at three recently released players who could help the Red Sox based on needs.

Rowdy Tellez: First baseman/DH

When the Red Sox lost first baseman Triston Casas for the remainder of the season due to a ruptured patellar tendon, the team found itself searching up and down the roster for a player to fill the void. With manager Alex Cora currently using a platoon of Abraham Toro and Romy González at the position, it remains uncertain if the Red Sox are looking for an upgrade on the trade market.

One way the Red Sox could upgrade first base would be to sign Rowdy Tellez, who the Seattle Mariners recently released. Designated for assignment earlier in the week, Tellez was batting .208 with 11 home runs and 27 RBI before being cut loose on Thursday.

The 30-year-old has hit 20 or more home runs twice in his career and displays the type of pop that the Red Sox lineup is currently missing. His ability to DH and play first base would be a nice stopgap for the team while they engage the trade market.

Spencer Turnbull: Right-Handed Pitcher/Reliever

The Red Sox starting rotation has been inconsistent at best this season, and that’s an area that will need to improve if the team hopes to battle its way back into the American League East playoff picture. As a result of Buehler’s recent struggles and Bryan Bello’s high pitch count often preventing him from pitching deep into ball games, Alex Cora’s bullpen has been used early and often since Opening Day.

Right-hander Spencer Turnbull could be a pitcher who could help the Red Sox out in the bullpen and the rotation. Released by the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, the seven-year veteran was 3-0 with a 2.65 ERA in 17 games (seven starts) with the Philadelphia Phillies last year.

Cut loose by the Blue Jays to make room for the return of Max Scherzer, Turnbull appeared in three games (one start). Overall, he had a record of 1-1 with four strikeouts and a 7.11 ERA over 6 1/3 innings pitched. He’s been a solid starter in the past, and wouldn’t be a bad stopgap to have in the Red Sox bullpen before Jordan Hicks and Kyle Harrison both arrive later this summer.

Jeimer Candelario: First Base/Third Base

Another name that could help the Red Sox is Jeimer Candelario. Recently released by the Cincinnati Reds, the switch-hitting corner infielder could add plenty of value to the Red Sox with his power and positional versatility.

Candelario will never contend for a batting title, but he’s reached double digits in home runs six times and led MLB in doubles (42) in 2021. After two down seasons with the Reds, it’s possible a change of scenery could help the 31-year-old slugger find success again at the big league level.