The Red Sox have been linked to pitchers all winter and have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $6MM deal with the outfielder. Isiah Kiner-Falefa this week. That doesn’t mean they’re done, as Sean McAdam of MassLive reports that the club is still looking for another midfielder.
That fits Kiner-Falefa’s skill set. He is a strong defender in many areas but never offers much in terms of batting. His best role would be a utility player, providing cover in multiple positions. The Sox have an injury-prone shortstop Trevor’s story. They will give visibility Marcelo Mayer a chance to play an everyday role somewhere but only has 44 games of major league experience. Kiner-Falefa gives the club back in case Story gets injured or Mayer struggles.
That still leaves the Sox with a hole somewhere. Mayer could be in third or second place. The Sox appear to be selecting him at third base but they will need to find an upgrade at second base. Currently, they have a mix that includes Kiner-Falefa, Romy González, David Hamilton and others. González has value but is a short-sided team player who can beat the rest. Hamilton is a run and defensive man who is almost identical to Kiner-Falefa. Kristian Campbell he seems to be considered an outsider now.
Stepping up to that team with a clear everyday winger makes a lot of sense but there are few options available at this stage of the offseason. The top remaining free agents are arguably no better than Kiner-Falefa, with Ramón Urías, Luis Urías again Adam Frazier some boys are still there. The trade market should be Boston’s best bet at this point. They are connected with the same guys Isaac Paredes for the Astros as well Nico Hoerner again Matt Shaw At Mantshontsho.
The Astros have an infield logjam but so far have stuck with Paredes. He has second base experience but hasn’t played there since 2023. Bringing him back to the starting lineup may not fit Boston’s stated desire to improve defensively but he could certainly add a thump, as he has typically been good for 20-plus homers per season. It’s also possible that the Sox like the bat enough to be willing to get him and put him at third and Mayer at second, despite their preference for Mayer at the hot corner.
A trade with the Astros would also make a lot of sense from Houston’s perspective, as that team looks to add a left-handed bat, especially in the outfield. That’s something the Sox can offer, too Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu again Masataka Yoshida all in the list.
Hoerner is perhaps the second best defensive player in the majors, so he could fit Boston’s desires. The only problem would be convincing the Cubs to part with him. Shaw is relatively unknown and has a limited role with the Cubs at this point. However, with Hoerner only signed for one year, they may be holding tight to Shaw and the idea that he will take over for Hoerner from now on.
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said he would not consider it Ketel Marte the trade is off but that was before boston signed Guard Suárez. Maybe now that the installation prospects are the same Payton Tolle again Connelly Early have been pushed down the depth chart, perhaps Boston would be more willing to put it on the table in an attempt to change Hazen’s mind.
Time will tell if the baseball executive Craig Breslow can pull something off at this late stage of the season. Pitchers and catchers report to spring training next week.
Photo courtesy of John E. Sokolowski, Imagn Images
