Adam Dunn

From Ken Rosenthal:

The Red Sox, after losing free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira to the Yankees, still have not taken a significant step to improve their offense. But according to one rival exec, they have shown interest in Adam Dunn.

The extent of the Sox’s interest is unclear; they touch base with virtually every top free agent. The addition of Teixeira, an excellent defender, would have justified a move of Kevin Youkilis to third base and trade of Mike Lowell. Dunn would be more of a square peg in a round hole.

The only position open for Dunn would be first; his addition would revive the Sox’s need to trade Lowell and compromise them defensively. Then again, the team’s offense remains a legitimate concern. Lowell is coming off surgery on his right hip and David Ortiz may be entering his decline phase. Dunn’s blend of patience and power would make him a perfect offensive fit.

The Sox could sign Dunn for one year to keep their options open with the A’s Matt Holliday, Boras’ big prize next offseason. Or, they could sign Dunn to a longer deal, hedge against the possible loss of potential free agent Jason Bay and forget Holliday. The Sox’s relationship with Boras, who delivered Teixeira to the Yankees, is currently strained.

After Holliday, the market for hitters next offseason is thin, increasing the appeal of one-year deals for a lingering free agent such as Dunn or Bobby Abreu. Still, Dunn-to-Boston is probably a longshot; the Sox, after adding a catcher, might prefer to stay with their present group, re-assess their offense at midseason and benefit from a possible salary dump on the trade market.

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