Red Sox linked to 20-HR threat first baseman after recent DFA

The Boston Red Sox are a half-game out of a wild card spot in the American League, but could use an upgrade at first base. A slugging first baseman just became available.

Rowdy Tellez had started 51 games for the Seattle Mariners this season. However, the team designated him for assignment to activate Luke Raley from the injured list. NESN's Jay Pritchard suggested Tellez could be an option for the Red Sox. Tellez has good numbers at Fenway Park from his time as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. He has a .319 average with five home runs and a 1.001 OPS in 27 games at Fenway Park.

"While Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez have covered first base admirably for Boston, Tellez brings a proven power profile," wrote Pritchard. "The lefty slugger has crushed right-handed pitching in particular, a trait that could assist Boston’s lineup down the stretch."

Tellez has slashed .208/.249/.434 this season with 11 home runs. His best season came in 2022 when he hit 35 home runs for the Milwaukee Brewers. He has never carried a high average consistently, but he could be great in a platoon for the Red Sox. All 11 of his home runs have come against right-handed pitching and he has a .720 OPS against righties.

The Red Sox have gotten a .689 OPS from first base this season. Tellez would be a low-risk addition with high upside given his success at the Red Sox home ballpark.

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The Red Sox are still within striking distance of a postseason berth, but they will need to find an answer at first base. They could give Tellez a shot and designate him for assignment if it does not work out, and try to find a better option closer to the trade deadline.

"Boston wouldn’t need to give up much to land him," wrote Pritchard. "If he clears waivers, Tellez can elect free agency, which would allow the Red Sox to add him without surrendering a prospect. And given his career numbers at Fenway, it’s not hard to imagine him finding a groove in a ballpark that suits his swing."

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