6 Red Sox on Thin Ice After Missing Postseason 3rd Year in a Row

2. Enmanuel Valdez

Enmanuel Valdez got the nod as Boston's starting second baseman on Opening Day in Seattle. Unfortunately, that was about the only thing that went right for Valdez in 2024.

Valdez was picked up from the Houston Astros in a 2022 trade deadline deal that sent catcher Christian Vazquez to Houston. Boston also landed Wilyer Abreu in that trade. Although Abreu has developed into a strong MLB contributor, (and will receive AL Rookie of the Year votes), the same can't be said for Valdez.

In 76 games with the Red Sox in 2024, Valdez only managed to hit .214/.270/.363 with six home runs and 28 RBI.

Boston has a ton of depth at middle infield and Valdez hasn't shown an ability to consistently hit MLB pitching (.235 career batting average). Frankly, Valdez couldn't hit Triple-A pitching well this season either with a .233 batting average. The Red Sox might have to accept that they missed on Valdez and move on. Given that they still landed Abreu in the Vazquez swap, that's not a bad result.

Also lurking in the shadows? Second baseman Kristian Campbell, who was named the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year after hitting .330 with 20 home runs and 77 RBI across all levels this season. Campbell has been on record as stating his goal is to make the Opening Day roster in 2025, and Vaughn Grissom will definitely get another crack to prove himself. With Valdez turning 26 in Dec., it is hard to figure out how he fits into the fold going forward.