The Boston Red Sox have plenty of spunk.
Boston entered the season with many expecting the club to finish in last place in the American League East. Although there’s still plenty of time left, the Red Sox have surprised so far this season and currently are fourth in the AL East at 17-14 — one game ahead of the rival New York Yankees.
The Red Sox’s offense has been impressive so far this season, but the club could use even more depth. Boston entered the 2023 season with plenty of questions surrounding the middle infield and there still are some. Christian Arroyo and Enrique Hernandez are the team’s go-to shortstop and second baseman. Boston currently has young prospect Enmanuel Valdez up with the big league club as well, but the team could add more depth at the minor league level.
Boston has dealt with a plethora of injuries so far this season. Trevor Story is out until at least the midway point in the season, Adalberto Mondesi still is recovering from knee surgery and there’s no update on when he will return, and utility man Yu Chang also is injured. Arroyo, Valdez, and Hernandez have done a solid job so far for Boston, but another addition wouldn’t hurt –especially with all of the injuries the club already has dealt with.
One player who could be someone to keep an eye on is former All-Star infielder Tommy La Stella. The 34-year-old officially was designated for assignment by the club Tuesday and now will either be traded, picked up off waivers, or if he still hasn’t changed teams after one week, become a free agent.
La Stella has struggled so far this season and has slashed .190/.292/.238 in 12 games. He hasn’t played in more than 80 games since 2018, but still could be a useful depth piece. He was named an All-Star as a member of the Los Angeles Angels in 2019 and is a 10-year veteran. At this point, it seems likely that Arroyo and Hernandez have solidified their roles until at least Story and Mondesi return. Because of the influx of injuries this season, it wouldn’t hurt to add more veteran depth pieces.
The 34-year-old may not be a game-changer, but he likely could be had for a cheap cost so maybe it would make sense for the Red Sox to consider a move.
