Can Big Papi Be Replaced?

Big Papi was a force in the baseball world, especially to the Boston Red Sox. Months have passed since Big Papi exited the baseball diamond, and the question remains: who will replace Big Papi in Boston?

Although, in our dreams, Big Papi retiring is just a joke, we have to come to the realization that we have seen the last of him on the diamond. The Red Sox now have to find someone to replace Ortiz's massive hitting. Though Edwin Encarnacion is available via free agency, the Red Sox have professed little interest on obtaining him. Listed below are some players that can replace (or try to) Ortiz:

Carlos Beltran

Beltran is a switch-hitter that fits in with Boston's righty-leaning lineup. Although he will turn 40 in April, Beltran is still a power-hitter, with 29 homers and a 0.850 OPS for the Yankees and Texas Rangers.

Mike Napoli

A former Red Sox player, Boston fans would be more than happy to welcome him back into the fold. According to ESPN, "It’s easy to see the Sox signing Napoli to rotate with Hanley Ramirez between first base and DH. Napoli, 35, also has a well-earned reputation as a clubhouse leader and would be a positive influence on still-impressionable right fielder Mookie Betts and shortstop Xander Bogaerts."

Matt Holliday

Holliday is coming off a season where he posted a career-low .782 OPS in 110 games for the St. Louis Cardinals. This right-handed hitter might be a classic buy-low candidate for a one-year contract.