The Red Sox continue to explore their options in both the replacement and bullpen markets, but are also looking for a right-handed hitter who can contribute to the mix at second base, The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey reports. Striker Vaughn GrissomThe minor league adjustment window has opened on August 9, but McCaffrey suggests Grissom could be optioned to Triple-A Worcester rather than being linked to the big league roster. Meanwhile, the Sox captain Alex Cora said after the deputy was found Danny Jansen that leading man Connor Wong could see more time at second base; Wong hasn't played second base recently but has 227 career innings.
The trade market isn't exactly deep for right-handed batsmen – or center fielders in general – but there are still a handful of options who could fit the bill. A switch hitter for the Angels Luis Rengifo (who scorched lefties with a .373/.418/.529 slash line) is reportedly already interested in the Sox. They are likely at least holding internal discussions on other options, including Colorado Brendan RodgersDetroit's Gio UrselaOakland's Abraham Toro (switch-hitter) and Chicago's Paul DeJong. The Reds' Jonathan India you've seen his name in trade rumors for the better part of a year, but Cincinnati has been reluctant to deal him. Inside the Sox's own division Gleyber Torres again Isiah Kiner-Falefabut Boston may be wary of sending any talent of note to a direct rival.
The mere fact that Cora suggested playing Wong at second base and refused to confirm that Grissom would be plugged back into Boston's second base speaks to the fact that an addition is possible. Second base has been a black hole for the BoSox this season, as they have seen Grissom, Wong, Emanuel Valdez, David Hamilton, Jamie Westbrook, Pablo Reyes, Romy Gonzalez, Ceddanne Rafaela again Zack Short combine to hit .192/.249/.293 in the area. The 47 wRC+ result is dead-last in the majors and suggests that Boston's second basemen are 53% worse than average per bat.
The Red Sox essentially depleted their middle infield depth yesterday when they made the trade Nick Yorke (mainly, a right-handed hitter) to the Pirates in exchange for first-rounders/top right-handed hitters Quinn Priester. That suggests that hitting is considered a dire need, but it shouldn't be surprising if the Sox work multiple angles today and come away with another arm (or two) and a more major league-based pitcher than Grissom or now. -sold in York.
Boston was already known to be eyeing the right-handed bat — that was widely reported last week — but at the time, it seemed like the first addition might happen. However, the Sox are now set to send the first baseman to injury Places to stay in Triston Casas in a rehab assignment later today, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com (X link). That makes second base the most likely place to supplement the lineup with the right-handed bat.
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