12 Red Sox Who Won't Be Back in 2025 After Falling Short of Playoffs Again
By Ryan Bunton
7. Enmanuel Valdez
Enmanuel Valdez, Boston's Opening Day second baseman, failed to make the jump in his development that Red Sox fans saw out of other young players such as Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela.
In 201 at-bats with the big league club, Valdez hit a measly .214/.270/.363 with six home runs and 28 RBI. He was demoted to Triple-A Worcester – where he played 50 games. Valdez didn't exactly hit the cover off of the ball in the minors either as he only slashed .233/.330/.446. His liability defensively doesn't do him any favors either.
The Red Sox acquired 23-year-old second baseman Vaughn Grissom in the Chris Sale deal last offseason, and prospect second baseman Kristian Campbell just won Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year. Trevor Story's return also provides further depth at the middle infield spots. There seems to be little room for Valdez to remain in the mix.
Ultimately, with an influx of young second baseman, Valdez is a strong candidate to be flipped for some pitching this offseason.