The Red Sox reportedly pursue the All-Star second baseman on the trade market
Will the Boston Red Sox go through with a trade to solve the team’s second base limbo?
The free agent market for midfielders is full of weak options, which makes a potential deal that much more attractive and hopefully more likely.
It looks like the Minnesota Twins all-star race has become available.
andquot;With the arrival of Jorge Polanco, Eduard Julien, the health of Royce Lewis comes, he is someone who is available andquot; MLB Networkand#039;s Jon Morosi reports on MLB Network’s andquot;Hot Stove.andquot; andquot;People in the industry believe there is a very good chance the Twins will move Jorge Polanco this winter.
Polanco is an interesting option for the Red Sox, and a trade would certainly be worth exploring.
The swinging center fielder hit .255 with 32 hits, including 14 home runs, 48 RBI and a .789 OPS (115 OPS+) in 80 games last year, hampered by a nagging left hamstring strain. He produced similarly in 2022, but was plagued by left knee inflammation and a lower back strain and played in just 104 games.
Polanco’s last healthy season came in 2021, and it was a memorable one. The now 30-year-old hit .269 with 70 hits, including 33 home runs, 98 RBIs and an .826 OPS (125 OPS+) in 152 games.
There’s no doubt that Polanco would be a huge offensive upgrade over the current in-house options at second base. Defensively, he leaves a lot to be desired. Polanco recorded one defensive run at second base last season but had a -5 strikeout average.
Signing Polanco would certainly make sense, especially with Red Sox baseball manager Craig Breslow suggesting he has a versatile hitter on defense. Polanco is owed $10.5 million this season and has a $12 million club option through 2025.
Boston should also look into the Los Angeles Angelsand#039; Brandon Drury, who will likely be available and will profile as a strong option at second base for the Red Sox next season.
