First base is one of the glaring needs for the Boston Red Sox this season. Anthony Rizzo is often floated around, along side names like Carlos Santana and Joey Gallo. One name I brought to the table last week was Marlins slugger Jesús Aguilar. However, there is one more trade candidate I would love for Boston to do some digging on, Detroit Tigers first baseman Jonathan Schoop.
Schoop has had a phenomenal season and was a recent snub from the All-Star game. Here are some notable stats from his ongoing 2021 campaign:
| Player | Year | Games | AB | AVG | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | OBP | SLG | OPS |
| Jonathan Schoop | 2021 | 98 | 382 | .288 | 16 | 1 | 17 | 60 | .330 | .469 | .799 |
The Red Sox would be incredibly lucky to slot that type of production behind the four-headed monster of Verdugo, Bogaerts, Devers and Martinez. Schoop would not only lengthen the lineup but take a position of weakness and turn it into a strength. He would take the everyday role at first base, and could play second base if needed. Jonathan Schoop is one of the best hitters on the trade market and would give the Boston Red Sox a significant boost down the stretch. The Red Sox offense has been incredible despite getting next to nothing from the back of the order. Schoop could lengthen out the damage to opposing pitchers.
Potential Lineup:
- Kiké Hernandez 2B
- Alex Verdugo LF
- Xander Bogaerts SS
- Rafael Devers 3B
- J.D. Martinez DH
- Jonathan Schoop 1B
- Hunter Renfroe RF
- Christian Vázquez C
- Jarren Duran CF
The 29-year-old slugger is currently on a one-year deal with a Detroit Tigers team that is going nowhere. Chaim Bloom could conceivably acquire Schoop without giving up any notable prospects. He would only be a rental piece which limits his trade value. However, the Red Sox could see this as a trial run with a possible re-signing on the table for 2022. I personally would be ecstatic to see the Red Sox make a move for a player of Jonathan Schoop’s caliber as they make a final push towards the postseason.
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