Among the 30 major league teams, Boston is currently in the most urgent need for a central infielder (shortstop/second baseman). This is because the Keystone combination is on the verge of collapse, with the absolute task of making up for the sluggish performance last year.
Boston’s starting shortstop last year was Xander Bogarts (31), and second baseman was Trevor Story (31). Bogarts showed off that he was in his prime by winning All-Star for two consecutive years and even Silver Slugger for two consecutive years. Story, who joined Boston ahead of last season, transitioned from shortstop to second base and had a period of adaptation. Due to his injury, he struggled with only 94 games, but he expected to show even better performance this year.
However, both players evaporated within a month. Bogarts, who obtained the qualification as a free agent (FA), moved the team by signing an 11-year contract with San Diego for a total of 280 million dollars (approximately 347.5 billion won). Boston couldn’t match San Diego’s conditions. On top of that, even Story had to leave due to a sudden elbow surgery. The timing of his return is undecided. Depending on his rehabilitation process, he could miss most of his games in 2023 if he goes wrong.
Boston, which has fallen on fire, is considering several scenarios, including a trade. Haim Bloom, president of the Boston Baseball Division, expressed his concern in an interview with the local media, saying, “There will probably be continued reinforcement.” The name of Kim Ha-seong (28‧ San Diego) came to mind here. San Diego looked for a starting shortstop by recruiting Bogarts, and the prospect was that they would not give up Kim Ha-seong to reinforce their starting pitcher.
While local media in Boston reported the name of Kim Ha-sung every day, Boston is looking for a free agent market. ‘USA Today’ reported on the 16th (Korean time) that “Boston is interested in Elvis Andrews (35), a free agent shortstop, and Jurickson Profar.” Andrews is a veteran shortstop. Profar is an outfielder, but coupled with the team’s ability to change positions, he is also associated with shortstop.
Andrews boasts a wealth of experience. He made his major league debut at Texas in 2009 and once made a name for himself as the league’s top shortstop. He has a two-time All-Star career. He has appeared in 1947 games over 14 years in the major leagues, and his 2000th appearance is also on the horizon.카지노
Last year, he played a total of 149 games with the Oakland and Chicago White Sox, recording a batting average of 0.249, 17 homers, 58 RBIs, 18 stolen bases, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.707. The goal production, which had been on a downward trend, rebounded after a long time. As a free agent, you don’t have to hit a trade card that hurts your head. Considering his age, a one-year contract is also possible. He buys time for one year and provides conditions to envision the next.
When Pro Par is recruited, he will be given an outfield spot alongside Alex Verdugo and Masataka Yoshida. In this case, he can move multiplayer Quique Hernandez from the outfield to the infield. Hernandez played 517 games as an outfielder, 100 games as a shortstop, and 258 games as a second baseman during his nine years in the major leagues. Even last year, he had experience starting 10 games as a second baseman and 4 games as a shortstop. It is a temporary measure.
In Andrews’ case, he’s not a player who’s part of the team’s long-term vision. It’s a pity, but if the prospects are growing, a one-year contract is rather helpful for team planning. Kim Ha-seong is more stable and attractive in that he has two years left on his contract, but he has to pay a higher price for San Diego. It remains to be seen what choices Boston will make in the remaining transfer market.