The Miami Marlins have kicked off their 2024 season with a disappointing 0-8 record. Should their struggles persist, there’s a strong possibility that infielder Luis Arráez could be put up for trade, according to Ken Rosenthal and Dennis Lin of The Athletic. Speculation arises about whether the Boston Red Sox could be a viable destination for the two-time Silver Slugger recipient.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report explores potential landing spots for Arráez if the Marlins decide to offload the 2023 MLB batting champion, with the Red Sox being mentioned as one of three honorable considerations.
Rymer points out that with a 26.0% strikeout rate this season, the Red Sox could benefit from a contact hitter like Arráez. However, the current absence of Vaughn Grissom, acquired from the Atlanta Braves in an offseason trade, deserves consideration as he’s expected to return soon.
Arráez is under contract for $10.6 million in 2024 and won’t become a free agent until after the 2025 season. Despite a slow start to the 2024 campaign, his track record suggests he could significantly bolster Boston’s lineup.
Having secured batting titles in consecutive years across different leagues, Arráez boasts impressive stats, including a .335/.384/.445 slash line over 1,220 plate appearances from 2022-2023. His prowess has earned him multiple accolades and All-Star selections.
Although Arráez’s strikeout rate for 2024 stands at 15.8%, a relatively small sample size, his career-long rate of 7.7% showcases his ability to make contact consistently. His arrival in Boston could potentially rearrange the batting order, offering Rafael Devers more RBI opportunities.
While Boston seems solid in the middle infield with Grissom at second base and Trevor Story at shortstop, injuries could prompt the need for reinforcements. Story’s injury history raises concerns, and if he were to be sidelined again, it might create an opening at second base.
Though the fit may not seem seamless initially, unforeseen circumstances, coupled with Boston’s promising start to the season, could prompt them to explore acquiring Arráez to bolster their roster depth.