The Boston Red Sox have reportedly struck a deal with infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa on a one-year contract, pending a physical examination. While his salary details haven’t been disclosed, this signing fills a crucial gap at second base after Alex Bregman departed via free agency.
The Sox had considered several big names like Ketel Marte and Bo Bichette, but couldn’t finalize any trades. They seem committed to keeping Marcelo Mayer at third base and wanted a strong defensive player to step in at second.
Kiner-Falefa, a former Gold Glove winner, earned that accolade in 2020 while playing for the Texas Rangers. He brings solid defensive skills and has proven himself at multiple infield positions. In nearly 600 innings as a second baseman, he holds good defensive metrics, with a +12 Defensive Runs Saved rating and +2 Outs Above Average according to Statcast.
However, his hitting has raised some concerns. His offensive performance has been consistent, but not standout. He has never hit more than nine home runs in a season and has a career OPS below .700. Last year, he posted a .262 average with a .297 on-base percentage while splitting time with the Pirates and Blue Jays.
The Red Sox struggled at second base last season, with unreliable performances from players like Kristian Campbell, who has since shifted back to Triple-A. Other players like Romy Gonzalez and Nick Sogard filled in during the season, but the team as a whole managed only a .242 batting average from that position in the latter half of the year.
As a right-handed hitter, Kiner-Falefa’s performance doesn’t significantly vary against right or left-handed pitchers. He may serve as the primary second baseman but could also shift to third base as needed, especially against left-handed pitchers, while allowing for offensive substitutions when facing right-handed arms.
Financially, the Sox seem to be treading carefully. After recent moves, including commitments totaling around $257 million, they are already above the $244 million luxury tax threshold. This means they will incur a 30% tax on overspending. Their budget plays a key role in their decision-making, especially as they navigate past last year’s tax penalties.
In the coming days, the Red Sox will be working to finalize all details and ensure that Kiner-Falefa aligns with their goals for the upcoming season.
For more insights on the Red Sox’ recent strategies, you can check out reports from reliable sources like ESPN and MassLive.
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