BOSTON — Of the cast of Red Sox characters to keep an eye on in the offseason, Yoenis Cespedes very well might represent the best use of time and energy for Red Sox fans.

Signed through next season only, Cespedes turns 29 in two weeks, meaning he is still young enough to be in the prime of his career. A new member of the 100-RBI club this season and a reliable source for 20-plus home runs a year, Cespedes seemingly would be a prime target for the Red Sox to sign to an extension so they can “guarantee” themselves a reliable middle-of-the-order power threat.

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Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is greeted by Will Middlebrooks after scoring on a sacrifice fly by Xander Bogaerts as Los Angeles Angels catcher Hank Conger looks on in the seventh inning Aug. 10. The Associated Press

In this new era of dwindling power, a slugger of Cespedes’ caliber is rare indeed.

So why is there any doubt about what to do with him?

The answers come in two parts, hinging not only on how the Red Sox execute their offseason plan but how they view Cespedes as a long-term fit offensively for their team.

First off, the Sox may recoil publicly at the idea that their glut of outfielders represents a problem. It could present an opportunity they can exploit in a trade and Cespedes would be a juicy piece of bait.

Despite the Marlins’ recent assurance that they are not trading Giancarlo Stanton, that franchise’s word is worthless on such matters. Just ask Jose Reyes, who had been assured it was safe to go ahead and buy a home two days before the Marlins shipped him to Toronto. The Red Sox owe it to themselves to pursue Stanton as hard as they can, which means that Cespedes could be a major piece the Marlins get in return.

The other issue for the Red Sox vis a vis Cespedes is that they have the luxury to be picky about his style of hitting. Nobody will ever confuse him with Miguel Cabrera or Manny Ramirez as a right-handed power threat. That is a high bar to clear for any hitter, and Cespedes is who he is, which is a hitter who likes to swing the bat even when he shouldn’t. On a team filled with patient and disciplined hitters who grind out at-bats and take pitches, Cespedes’ approach stands out. The Sox must decide if they can tolerate his style and lack of adherence to team philosophy.

TWINS: Orioles bench coach John Russell is expected to be interviewed for Minnesota’s managerial position.

Russell, who has been the Orioles’ bench coach since 2011, has previous managing experience. He managed the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2008 to 2010, compiling a 186-299 record.

All of manager Buck Showalter’s coaches, including Russell, are currently under contract for next season, so the Orioles would need to give permission to interview Russell. But Showalter said Russell deserves another shot at managing.

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