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.
The Los Angeles Angels are promoting infielder David Fletcher from Triple-A, where he has been hitting .378/.432/.478 over 197 plate appearances. Fletcher was optioned to Triple-A in April after a slow start to the season, but injuries to Anthony Rendon, Zach Neto, and Gio Urshela have left the Angels thin in the infield. The corresponding move for Fletcher's promotion has not yet been announced, but it marks a mini-overhaul of the Angels' infield, which also includes the recent acquisition of Eduardo Escobar.
The Boston Red Sox have moved Kiké Hernández out of the starting shortstop role as part of a dramatic defensive overhaul. Manager Alex Cora announced that Triston Casas will play fewer games at first base in the immediate future. Pablo Reyes is starting at shortstop and Justin Turner is playing first base. Hernández will return to a utility role and see more time at second base and in center field. The shift at shortstop is expected to be significantly more drastic than the one at first base.
The Cincinnati Reds have called up top prospect Elly De La Cruz from Triple-A, and he will make his MLB debut in the team's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. De La Cruz, who has a .298/.398/.633 batting line with 12 home runs in 38 Triple-A games this season, is a physical specimen with elite power and near-elite speed. He will start at third base, a position he played nine times in Triple-A this season. The Reds have also recently called up their 2021 first-round pick, Matt McLain, who has been the club's starting shortstop since being called up.