With Triston Casas seemingly out for a significant period of time, the Boston Red Sox are in need of some help at first base. They have options, and some fit a little better than others. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the Red Sox are considering a reunion with C.J. Cron, who was released from the team toward the end of Spring Training. There are some other options that might fit the bill, but Cron seems to be one of the better fits given the circumstances.
Within this: There’s been some initial talk of a C.J. Cron reunion being possible, per sources. https://t.co/awdEnARj2p
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) April 23, 2024
Red Sox First Base is Now a Hole
Casas being out for any length of time leaves a massive hole in the lineup. More importantly, the team loses a steady glove at first base. The Red Sox have been horrendous on defense for large stretches this season. While it’s gotten a bit better as of late, having a glove you can rely on at first is important.
The Red Sox injury situation has caused them to give Bobby Dalbec an extended look, even though he has only really shown a half-season of success with the big club.
One thing Dalbec does bring is a steady glove. as his OAA would suggest, with a zero in most seasons. This season, he’s worth one OAA at first base and sits in the 53rd percentile. That’s good enough for Boston to get by, especially since Casas hasn’t graded out well with OAA at -10 in 2023.
The Red Sox, however, should want more from first base.
CJ Cron Can Be a Bandaid for Boston
The timeline for Casas is about two months, meaning it’d be the end of June. With it being a rib fracture, it could go longer than that, depending on how Casas heals. The Red Sox first base situation can’t hold water that long, with the likes of Dalbec and Rob Refsnyder.
That’s where a reunion with Cron makes a ton of sense for the Red Sox first base situation.
If you remember the name, it’s because Cron was with the Red Sox for a brief stint in Spring Training before the season got underway. At the time, the Red Sox didn’t have a home for him, but with the rash of injuries, their depth has been all but depleted.
Cron grades out as a slightly above-average glove at first base, where he was worth 1 OAA last year. DRS doesn’t love Cron, where he sat at -8 last season. However, what Cron can provide is a bit of pop and a steady veteran presence to a lineup devoid of it.
Cron, 34, would complement a lineup that is heavily left-handed. Last season, between the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels, he slashed .248/.295/.434. He finished with 12 home runs, 12 doubles and 27 RBI.
Veteran Presence Needed for the Red Sox
What Dalbec lacks that Cron has is the veteran presence that the Red Sox don’t really have. He might not hit a ton, but neither is Dalbec with a .054/.125/.081 slash line in 40 plate appearances entering the day Thursday. It might be a good way to address the Red Sox first base issue, and the locker room as well.
The Red Sox do have veterans on the pitching side in Chris Martin and Kenley Jansen, along with Nick Pivetta who is currently on the injured list. However, on the hitting side, Rafael Devers is the only player who has been there and done that. That’s not exactly a key to success.
While Cron has his flaws, he’d be a good bandaid and could fill the void left by Casas. The other options could be Garrett Cooper, Jared Walsh, or even Brandon Belt. Belt is likely a long shot. Boston would likely not spend much money to fill the void left by Casas, especially if it’s only a couple of months. Jared Walsh is now a free agent, and Garrett Cooper was designated for assignment, so they are both available.
Even still, the veteran presence can’t be understated. If you’re not looking to spend money on Belt, Cron would be a nice fit for the Red Sox.
