Red Sox pursue shortstop options
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly a leading contender to acquire a prominent shortstop before the trade deadline on Monday at 6 p.m. ET. This comes as the team has utilized five different shortstops this season without establishing a long-term solution. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is facing decisions regarding potential trades, including whether to part with a top prospect to secure a controllable major league shortstop.
Among the shortstops linked to the Red Sox are Zach Neto of the Los Angeles Angels, Otto Lopez of the Miami Marlins, and CJ Abrams of the Washington Nationals. These players are considered valuable assets due to their performance and multiple years of club control, making their acquisition potentially costly.
Franklin Arias a key trade piece
A significant factor in any potential trade for the Red Sox is their 20-year-old shortstop prospect, Franklin Arias. Ranked as a top prospect in baseball by various publications, Arias could be a central piece in a deal for a more established shortstop. However, the Red Sox have not yet identified a trade involving Arias that they deem worthwhile.
Arias recently debuted at Triple-A Worcester, hitting two home runs. Prior to that, in 75 games at Double-A, he posted a .318 batting average with 19 home runs and a .994 OPS. He played 54 games at shortstop and five at second base at Double-A, and has started two games at second base in his seven Triple-A appearances.
One rival executive suggested that the Red Sox might only trade Arias for CJ Abrams. Abrams, 25, is noted for his offensive production, ranking third in slugging (.563) and sixth in OPS (.930) in the majors. He is under club control for two additional seasons. However, his defensive ratings at shortstop (-13 outs above average) could be a concern for the Red Sox.
Other potential targets, Zach Neto and Otto Lopez, also present different profiles. Neto’s expected batting average of .203 and expected slugging percentage of .403 are noted. Lopez is tied for the league lead in doubles and has a .353 batting average on balls in play, which is up from last season.
Team’s recent performance and internal considerations
The Red Sox concluded July with a 21-4 record, marking their best performance in a calendar month in franchise history. This strong showing, including a 9-4 road victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers, has solidified their position as a contender and may embolden Breslow to pursue aggressive moves.
The team has faced challenges at shortstop this season, with Trevor Story out since May due to a sports hernia, and Marcelo Mayer and Isiah Kiner-Falefa sidelined with forearm stress reactions. All three are undergoing rehabilitation and are expected to be out for a month or more. Andruw Monasterio has filled in at shortstop, achieving a .770 OPS in 69 games.
The decision to potentially trade Arias also involves internal discussions about the team’s future at shortstop. Story is under contract through 2027 but has played only one full season of his six-year deal due to injuries. Curtis Mead, recently acquired by the Red Sox, is considered the team’s future second baseman, which could impact where Story or other prospects like Mayer might play upon their return.
Compared to previous trade deadlines, Breslow has shown a more aggressive approach this season. In 2023, he acquired pitchers who were injured and did not contribute, and in the following year, his deadline deals also had limited impact. However, his offseason trades have been more successful. The acquisition of Curtis Mead in exchange for pitcher Connelly Early earlier this season, despite Mead’s subsequent wrist injury, signals a continued push for impact players before the deadline.
Source: nytimes.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.