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Red Sox 'must' cut ties with Gold Glove utility infielder amid .449 OPS start
TL;DR
The Boston Red Sox are urged to part ways with their Gold Glove utility infielder due to a disappointing .449 OPS start. The team ranks near the bottom in offensive performance, making adjustments crucial.
Key points
- Red Sox urged to cut ties with Gold Glove infielder
- Team ranks 29th in wRC+ in Major League Baseball
- Red Sox have only 29 home runs this season
Boston Red Sox
Red Sox 'must' cut ties with Gold Glove utility infielder amid .449 OPS start originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox should be doing their best to make adjustments to their offense.
Such a feat is hard to accomplish mid-season, but this is a club that ranks 29th in the Majors in wRC+. They also rank second-to-last in home runs with just 29 total.
Not much is going to change in the standings if their struggles on offense stay consistent.
FanSided's Zachary Rotman urges the Red Sox to cut ties with a utility infielder who has done more harm than good.
"In an offseason full of head-scratching decisions, the one that might've raised the most eyebrows was the decision to give Isiah Kiner-Falefa $6 million," Rotman wrote Wednesday. "Kiner-Falefa has been a fine utility player for much of his career, but $6 million? Why? He's primarily been a platoon partner for Marcelo Mayer at second base, and it's safe to say things haven't gone very well in that regard."
The former Gold Glove Award winner's 31 OPS+ indicates he's performed 69 percent worse than the league average hitter. All eight of his hits this year have been singles.
"Romy Gonzalez probably won't be back from the IL by June 1, but whether it's Nate Eaton or even Kristian Campbell, the Red Sox ought to give another infielder a look with a better chance of producing than IKF at this stage of his career," Rotman added.
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Signing IKF was an interesting decision when the Red Sox made it.
He provides versatility on defense, some speed, and the occasional base knock, but that's about it for now.
Boston may be better off giving playing time to someone else.
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Q&A
Why should the Red Sox cut ties with their Gold Glove infielder?
The Red Sox are struggling offensively, ranking 29th in wRC+ and second-to-last in home runs, making the infielder's .449 OPS start a liability.
What is the Red Sox's current offensive ranking in Major League Baseball?
The Red Sox currently rank 29th in wRC+ and second-to-last in home runs in Major League Baseball.
How many home runs have the Red Sox hit this season?
The Boston Red Sox have hit just 29 home runs this season, ranking them second-to-last in the league.
