The Miami Marlins have commenced their 2024 season with a disappointing 0-8 record. If their struggles persist, the organization may contemplate placing infielder Luis Arráez on the trade market, according to Ken Rosenthal and Dennis Lin of The Athletic.
Should this scenario unfold, could the Boston Red Sox emerge as a viable destination for the two-time Silver Slugger winner?
In a recent analysis by Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer exploring potential landing spots for Arráez if Miami opts to part ways with the 2023 MLB batting champion, the Red Sox were listed as one of three honorable mentions.
“Given their 26.0 strikeout percentage this season, the Red Sox could benefit from a contact hitter like Arráez,” Rymer remarked. “However, it’s worth noting that Vaughn Grissom, who is currently sidelined, will eventually return and deserves an opportunity to showcase his abilities.”
In December, Boston obtained Grissom through a trade with the Atlanta Braves, sending starting pitcher Chris Sale and cash to the Braves in return for the 23-year-old.
Arráez is currently earning $10.6 million in 2024 and is under contract until the conclusion of the 2025 season, as reported by Spotrac.
The potential impact Luis Arráez could have on the Boston Red Sox lineup
Similar to the Marlins, Luis Arráez’s performance in the early stages of the 2024 season has been sluggish. In his first 38 plate appearances, he has recorded a .188/.316/.219 triple slash. However, recent displays indicate that he could significantly enhance Boston’s everyday lineup.
Arráez has clinched the batting title in both leagues over the past two seasons. He achieved a .316 average with the Minnesota Twins in 2022 and followed up with a .354 mark with the Marlins in 2023, according to Baseball-Reference. Across 1,220 plate appearances from 2022 to 2023, the left-handed hitter has maintained a slash line of .335/.384/.445. This includes 61 doubles, four triples, 18 home runs, 118 RBIs, and 159 runs scored. His performance also earned him two All-Star Game selections, two Silver Slugger Awards, and two top-15 finishes in MVP voting.
Although Arráez’s current strikeout rate in 2024 stands at 15.8% over a small sample size, his career-long strikeout rate is only 7.7%, as reported by FanGraphs. His knack for making contact and getting on base would be well-suited for the top of manager Alex Cora’s batting order. Furthermore, it could enable third baseman Rafael Devers to slide down a spot, potentially providing more RBI opportunities.
What role could Luis Arráez play within the 2024 Boston Red Sox roster?
As mentioned by Rymer in his brief analysis of a potential fit between Boston and Arráez, the Red Sox are likely solidified at both middle infield positions. Grissom is expected to play second base, while Trevor Story holds the starting shortstop position.
However, if the Red Sox continue their strong start to the season (currently 5-2 through seven games), they may seek enhancements if injuries persist. Vaughn started the season on the injured list due to a hamstring strain. While Boston’s current expectation is for him to return by the end of April, the exact timeline remains uncertain as he gradually increases his baseball-related activities.
Story is currently in good health and has participated in all seven Red Sox games leading up to April 5. Nevertheless, he has experienced injury setbacks over the past two seasons. At the start of his six-year, $140 million contract, Story played in just 137 out of a possible 324 games, according to Baseball-Reference.
Should Story sustain another injury at some point this year, it would necessitate Grissom shifting to shortstop, his natural position, and potentially create an opening at second base. This scenario would involve multiple moving parts for the Red Sox and may not seem like an ideal fit initially. However, given Boston’s ability to surprise observers across the league, unexpected developments cannot be ruled out.
