Ex-Red Sox Shortstop Reportedly Signs With National League Suiter
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The Boston Red Sox were tasked with revamping their middle infield when Xander Bogaerts left in free agency and Trevor Story underwent what could become season-ending elbow surgery.
With multiple roster spots available and Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom proclaiming his desire to add multiple middle infielders, many thought Boston would look toward a player who already has logged two stints with the team and was available in free agency -- veteran middle infielder José Iglesias.
The likelihood of the third reunion was dwindling by the day. Now it appears that fans can put the idea of Iglesias re-joining the Red Sox out of their heads.
"Along with Yuli Gurriel, Marlins have also signed José Iglesias to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training," The Athletic's Katie Woo reported Thursday night.
Iglesias hit .292 with 33 extra-base hits including three home runs, 47 RBIs and a .708 OPS in 118 games with the Colorado Rockies last season. The 33-year-old does not provide much pop but only struck out 56 times in 467 plate appearances and plays league-average defense up the middle.
While Iglesias is far removed from his All-Star days, many believed he would have been a quality addition to the Red Sox's roster this season -- myself included.
Instead, Bloom traded for shortstop Adalberto Mondesí -- who has potential but is currently recovering from an ACL tear and has been one of the most injury-prone players in Major League Baseball. Then Bloom brought back utility man Yu Chang. Outside of reliable defense and versatility, the 27-year-old holds little value.
Iglesias wasn't going to replace Bogaerts or Story but he would have bolstered a middle infield that lacks proven commodities.
The good news is that Iglesias will get a chance to prove his value after spending far too many months in free agency this winter.
More MLB: Ex-Red Sox Pitcher Blasts Team’s Handling Of Xander Bogaerts
