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Red Sox options at second base aren’t limited to Dustin Pedroia in 2019

By Rick McNair

BOSTON, MA - JULY 12: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox looks on from the dugout before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on July 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 12: Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox looks on from the dugout before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on July 12, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 30: Ian Kinsler #5 of the Boston Red Sox receives a throw at second base in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 30, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 30: Ian Kinsler #5 of the Boston Red Sox receives a throw at second base in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 30, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Ian Kinsler

The Red Sox need at second base was apparent in 2018 with special emphasis on defense. The defense may not have been porous, but it was certainly not the pitcher’s best friend. Ian Kinsler solved that problem and it is on display almost nightly by the former Gold Glove recipient.

Kinsler’s offense has slipped since 2016, but the 36-year-old former All-Star has shown his value in being judiciously used by manager Alex Cora. The savvy veteran can still have his offensive moments and that certainly has been on display with some key hits this season. But does he have a place in Boston?

Kinsler has shown enough in the tank to have the righty hitter being offered a one-year deal – especially with Pedroia’s future in doubt.  The risk is a healthy Pedroia would render Kinsler excess payroll and even a one-year contract would not be cheap.

With Kinsler, it is worth noting that in his 13-year MLB career his only other defensive experience other than second base has been two innings at third. You may see Kinsler sitting on the outside until the Pedroia issue is resolved.

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