The replacements: If Ellsbury is out, who should be in?

Sam Galanis
Contributing Writer

As the Red Sox’s chances of getting Jacoby Ellsbury back get slimmer, their need to pick up a new outfield star gets more desperate. If Ellsbury chooses not to return to the Sox, he’ll be hard to replace. Luckily there are still some free agents left who could get the job done.

Rajai Davis
Davis had a mediocre season as far as hitting goes, with a .260 average with six home runs and 24 RBIs. But there’s one thing that makes him more desirable as a replacement for Ellsbury, and that’s his speed. Davis had 45 stolen bases in 2013, which would be a huge help to the Sox if they lose their stolen base king.

Shin-Soo Choo
Choo consistently puts up great numbers, and that’s important because the Sox need someone dependable. Plus, Choo is 31, so he shouldn’t hit a sharp decline too soon. Signing him to a multi-year deal wouldn’t be too huge of a risk

Nate McLouth
McLouth is more of a middle-of-the-pack kind of player, but his consistency on the 2013 Orioles has turned some heads towards him in the free agent market. He posted a .258 average with 12 homers and 36 RBIs, as well as 30 stolen bases. He’s also a solid outfielder, and put up a .996 fielding percentage in 2013. His speed and defense would be enough to justify him as a replacement for Ellsbury.

Chris Young
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
The Red Sox have already been showing some interest in Young. He had a rough 2013 (.200 average with 12 home runs and 40 RBIs), but he’s another speedy guy, as well as a versatile outfielder. He can play any position in the outfield, which is important considering Fenway’s massive center and right field dimensions.

Carlos Beltran
I don’t think anyone needs to explain why Carlos Beltran could be a replacement for Ellsbury. I can’t see him as anything other than a superstar. Could you just imagine a Red Sox team with David Ortiz and Beltran, the two seasoned veterans and hitting machines? Plus, the Sox are supposedly in “serious talks” with the slugger, so maybe the dream could become a reality.




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