Red Sox's pursuit of a long-term shortstop raises major questions about Franklin Arias
· Yahoo Sports
Red Sox's pursuit of a long-term shortstop raises major questions about Franklin Arias originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With only five days to the trade deadline, the Boston Red Sox have to make some decisions quickly, as their first deadline acquisition, Curtis Mead, was hit with a potentially season-ending injury in just his second at-bat with the squad.
Visit saltysenoritaaz.org for more information.
One of Boston’s main focuses is to acquire a shortstop that would pair up with Mead in the middle infield, but at the same time, that doesn’t really make sense from a long-term perspective.
Boston wants a long-term shortstop
© Brad Mills-Imagn Images
According to MassLive’s Red Sox insiders Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam, Boston wants another middle infield bat to pair with Mead, and are looking for a long-term shortstop.
“The addition of Mead at second base hasn’t stopped Breslow from continuing to look for an infield bat and one rival evaluator said the belief is that the Red Sox are looking for a “long-term” option at shortstop,” Cotillo and McAdam wrote.
This now makes even more sense, with Mead’s injury. Simultaneously, it doesn’t, as Boston does have an amazing prospect almost MLB ready that plays shortstop.
Franklin Arias raises some questions
WooSox Photo/Ashley Green / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Franklin Arias is Boston’s No. 1 prospect, and is No. 7 in the MLB’s top 100. He was just promoted to AAA after hitting .318/.407/.587/.993 with 17 doubles, 20 home runs, and 54 RBI in 78 games.
In just his first at-bat in AAA, Arias got his first hit, which was also a home run. At the rate he’s progressing, Arias could be a generational talent for the Red Sox. So, it raises the question: why is Boston trying to find a long-term solution to his position, when he is almost there?
What Boston should do
WooSox Photo/Ashley Green / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
If Boston is committed to getting a shortstop, he needs to be able to play second base as well. They also can’t deal Arias, as he’s just too good to give up before he even steps into Fenway Park.
The best case would be to get your 2B/SS acquisition, and call up Arias in mid-September if, and only if, he’s doing damage in AAA like he did in AA. Then, they could put Arias either at second or short, and the acquisition at the other spot.
Finally, if Mead were to return before the end of the season, he or the new acquisition could be the DH, depending on who is worse at fielding. Overall, Boston needs to make a plan quickly, as time is running out.
MORE MLB NEWS
Red Sox may have to pivot to new catcher targets as trade deadline options disappear
Red Sox should lock up Sonny Gray after veteran emerged as Boston's ace without Garrett Crochet
Red Sox may have to walk away from Zach Neto if Angels demand Franklin Arias at trade deadline