Red Sox Buzz: Jurickson Profar, Adam Duvall, and an int’l prospect
Boston Red Sox have some interest in Jurickson Profar as MLB rumors swirl.
With the injury to Trevor Story, the Boston Red Sox have a hole to fill at the shortstop position and a couple of names have surfaced as potential free agent fits.
One is Elvis Andrus and the other is an interesting option in Jurickson Profar who, like Enrique (KeKe) Hernandez, is an infielder who has switched to the outfield position.
Speaking of Hernandez, the potential addition of Profar would likely move the Red Sox center fielder to shortstop and would allow Profar to play in the outfield. With his ability to also play the outfield, Boston would be going more with the plug and play option at shortstop with versatile players like Hernandez and Profar in the mix.
"“Profar hasn’t played shortstop since 2018, and while he was once a multi-position type, 2022 marked the first time that Profar played exclusively at one position, as the Padres deployed him only as a left fielder. The newly-signed Masataka Yoshida has already been tabbed for left field duty in Fenway Park, so the Red Sox could move Profar (who turns 30 in February) around to the other outfield positions, or possibly second or first base.”"
With a projected two-year, $20 million deal, Profar would be one of those cheaper deals Chaim Bloom targets with potential bigger rewards. With some pop in his bat, Profar batted .243 with 15 homers and 58 RBI in 2022 with the San Diego Padres.
While Andrus would be the better option, Profar would at least give the team some outfield depth and another option at both second and shortstop. He also has the ability to play first base.
MLB rumors are linking Red Sox to outfielder Adam Duvall
If the Red Sox are planning to more Hernandez to the infield, finding another bat in the outfield would be the team’s focus.
Along with Profar, MLB rumors are linking the team to 34-year-old outfielder Adam Duvall as the potential everyday center fielder. A former All-Star, Duvall would not only bring some above average defense to the outfield, but he would also be another power option in a lineup in desperate need to add reliable offense around Rafael Devers.
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In 2022, Duvall did have a bit of a down year offensively with the Atlanta Braves. Batting just .213, he hit 12 homers with 36 RBI in just 86 games played. Like Profar, Bloom would be aiming for a player who could have a bit of a revival playing at Fenway Park.
Another low-risk, high reward option would be at play. In forming a team combining hungry veteran players with something to prove along with younger players thriving to make a leap in the major leagues may produce a team better than many of us are projecting.
Boston Red Sox sign one of the top international prospects
While the Red Sox are trying to fill their current need at the short stop position, they have also set their sights into the future at the position.
According to MLB.com, the Red Sox have signed Dominical shortstop Yoeilin Cespedes to a minor league deal worth $1.4 million. Cespedes is ranked No. 25 on the Top 50 International Prospects list.
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Noted for his raw power and versatility in the infield, Cespedes has the tools to be a solid major League player depending on his development, obviously. Just a teen, he still has a lot of growing to do physically and learning to do as a baseball player which does make him an intriguing player to watch grow and make his way up the minors.
With that growth, there is a potential he could morph into a position other than shortstop. With Marcelo Mayer clamping down to be the shortstop of the future, Cespedes is a raw talent who could be developed in another position.