All articles tagged with #infield
Seattle's spring focus centers on a crowded infield, with Brendan Donovan slated for everyday duty after the trade, Cole Young at second, J.P. Crawford at short and the club keeping an eye on rookie Colt Emerson who could start in Tacoma but push for a midseason call-up, while Miles Bliss returns from injuries and competes for bench time as the roster fills out.
Boston added Caleb Durbin in a six-player trade with Milwaukee, giving the Sox a versatile second/third baseman and prompting questions about infield alignment as Mayer, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and a shoulder-injured Romy Gonzalez compete for at-bats. Durbin is expected to see regular action in the middle infield, with Trevor Story handling shortstop for now and IKF as the primary backup. In the outfield, Boston plans to use Wilyer Abreu as an everyday player alongside Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Roman Anthony, and Masataka Yoshida, though Yoshida’s big contract and Abreu’s left-handed splits could shape regular playing time. Spring training will clarify the exact lineup and roles.
The Red Sox traded reliever Jordan Hicks (plus minor-leaguer David Sandlin, cash and two players to be named later) to the White Sox for pitching prospect Gage Ziehl and a player to be named later, sending $8 million of Hicks’ $24 million owed and freeing two 40-man spots. The deal lowers Boston’s 2026 luxury-tax payroll to about $258 million (roughly $6 million under the second tax tier) and sets the stage for an infield addition, with targets discussed including Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw, Ketel Marte, Brendan Donovan, and Marcelo Mayer. Hicks posted an 8.20 ERA and was limited by injuries, helping motivate the move.
The Boston Red Sox's offseason plans hinge on key opt-out decisions, especially regarding third baseman Alex Bregman, with potential roster reshaping including re-signing Bregman or replacing him, and addressing uncertain infield positions, amid a $168.9MM commitment for 2026 and significant future obligations.
The Houston Astros are exploring the possibility of re-signing Carlos Correa from the Twins, with discussions ongoing but no agreement yet, amid their need for infield help and Correa's potential interest in returning to Houston, though several financial and contractual hurdles remain.
The New York Yankees are focusing on upgrading their pitching staff and infield ahead of the trade deadline due to numerous injuries and underperformance, with financial constraints and high player costs complicating potential acquisitions.
The Mets have signed infielder David Villar to a minor league contract after he elected free agency following his release by the Giants. Villar, 28, has shown promising power in the minors but struggles with strikeouts and contact at the MLB level. His opportunity in the majors with the Mets may depend on injuries to their current infielders.
Xander Bogaerts, the San Diego Padres' $280 million shortstop, will be moving to second base, while Ha-Seong Kim will transition from second base to shortstop. The move comes after Bogaerts' first year with the Padres and is seen as a strategic decision to optimize the team's defensive lineup. Despite Bogaerts' history as a shortstop, he has expressed willingness to make the switch for the team's benefit. The move may be more about Kim's standout defensive abilities, as he is set to hit free agency after the upcoming season.
Xander Bogaerts is embracing his move to second base for the San Diego Padres, acknowledging that it may be the best move for the team's success. The shift in the Padres' infield sees Bogaerts and Ha-Seong Kim swapping positions, with Bogaerts moving to second base and Kim returning to shortstop. While initially unexpected, Bogaerts is approaching the change with a team-first mentality and a focus on winning a World Series.
St. Louis Cardinals utility defender Brendan Donovan will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a ligament in his throwing arm, which is not Tommy John surgery. Donovan had been limited to DH at-bats since July 5 due to discomfort in his arm. His absence will impact the Cardinals' lineup, as players like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado will have fewer opportunities for partial days off by moving into the DH spot. Tommy Edman will replace Donovan at shortstop, while Nolan Gorman is expected to play at second base. Top prospect Masyn Winn may make his major-league debut at some point in 2023.
The San Francisco Giants have placed shortstop Brandon Crawford on the 10-day Injured List and recalled infielder David Villar from AAA Sacramento. With second baseman Thairo Estrada also on the IL, the Giants are facing an infield shortage. Villar, who has struggled this season, will provide support at third and second base. The team has been successful despite injuries, but they will need Villar, Casey Schmitt, or Brett Wisely to step up in order to maintain their performance.
The Houston Astros addressed their needs for infield talent and pitching in the MLB Draft by selecting shortstop Brice Mathews and pitcher Alonzo Treadwell. With Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman set to be free agents after next season, adding to the infield makes sense, and Mathews could potentially move to another position if needed. The team hopes that both college players can make it to the majors soon.
Mookie Betts started in the infield for the Los Angeles Dodgers and hit two home runs, leading his team to an 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The correlation between Betts' infield starts and his elevated production is becoming hard to ignore. Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin also had a strong performance, giving up four runs in 6 2/3 innings. The Angels lost for the eighth time in nine games and dropped to .500 for the first time since June 3. Second baseman Miguel Vargas continues to struggle, raising the possibility of a demotion to triple-A.
The Atlanta Braves have set a franchise record with eight players selected for the National League All-Star team, including five additional players added on Sunday. First baseman Matt Olson, second baseman Ozzie Albies, third baseman Austin Riley, and pitchers Bryce Elder and Spencer Strider joined the three Braves who were already elected by fans to the starting lineup. This marks the first time the Braves have had six position players and their entire infield make the All-Star team. The Braves' success this season has been fueled by their strong offense, which has set records for home runs and runs scored in June.
Milwaukee Brewers infielder Luis Urias has been demoted to the minor leagues after a frustrating season, with rookie second baseman Brice Turang rejoining the team. Urias has struggled at the plate, hitting just .145 with one home run and five RBIs in 20 games since returning from a hamstring injury. Turang, who previously struggled in the majors, will have another opportunity to prove himself after performing well in Triple-A Nashville.