Updates on Red Sox pursuits of Adam Duvall, shortstops.
The Boston Red Sox, who have needs in both the infield and outfield, are casting a wide net in search of depth. Among the names on their radar include free-agent outfielder Adam Duvall, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Duvall, 34, can be seen in the Hunter Renfroe-mold. He’s a Gold Glove-caliber defender who has the versatility to play any outfield position. He can hit for power, hitting 38 home runs in 2021 and 12 in half a season in 2022 before undergoing season-ending wrist surgery in July. He’ll command a short-term contract and would add needed thump to a depleted Red Sox lineup.
While Duvall’s name is clearly on the Red Sox’s radar, their intentions for the shortstop position are unclear — and it’s arguably their biggest need with Xander Bogaerts now in San Diego and Trevor Story out indefinitely following elbow surgery. Among the options available include Elvis Andrus, Jose Iglesias and Andrelton Simmons, but none are of the caliber of Bogaerts or Story.
Andrus, 34, struggled with the Oakland A’s last season, but slashed .271/.309/.464 with nine home runs and 28 RBI in 43 games while posting a 3 WAR. Iglesaias, meanwhile has had two separate stints with the Red Sox. He’s coming off a season in which he hit .292/.328/.708 in 118 games and while he provides hardly any power, he is an above-average defender. Simmons is the worst of the three options, playing in only 34 games last season with the Cubs, and hitting a mediocre .173/.244/.187 with zero home runs and seven RBI.
Perhaps the Red Sox turn to the trade market for shortstop options, but even then, the options are slim. But chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom clearly has to do something and adding Duvall, along with 1-2 shortstop options, would be a good way to start.