Red Sox potentially find new utility infielder in Rule 5 Draft

The Boston Red Sox selected infielder Jonathan Arauz in the Rule 5 Draft, potentially making him the new utility infielder next season.

Free agency remains on hold for the Boston Red Sox until they figure out a way to open space in their budget but they found a way to add to the roster through the Rule 5 Draft.

The Red Sox selected infielder Jonathan Arauz from the Houston Astros organization with the 17th pick of the major league phase of this year’s Rule 5 Draft.

Arauz hit .249/.319/.388 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI in 115 games split between Houston’s High-A and Double-A affiliates last season.

MLB.com ranked Arauz as the No. 25 prospect in the Astros system. The switch-hitter has shown a good sense for the strike zone and decent pop. His underwhelming minor league numbers need to be viewed in the context of Arauz being among the youngest players at every level he’s played at.

The 21-year old is a natural shortstop who is also capable of covering second and third base. The shortstop position is well covered by Xander Bogaerts in Boston but they currently have openings at first and second base.

Michael Chavis is the frontrunner to fill the vacancy at first base unless the Red Sox acquire a veteran this offseason or deem prospect Bobby Dalbec ready for the big leagues. If Boston brings in another first baseman, Chavis could shift to second base or be relegated to a platoon role.

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The uncertainty surrounding Dustin Pedroia‘s health will leave a lingering question concerning second base heading into spring training. Arauz could be a candidate to take over the position if Pedroia’s surgically repaired knee still refuses to cooperate.

If Pedroia makes a miraculous comeback or Chavis is pushed over to second base, a utility role may be Arauz’s best chance of contributing. His selection in the Rule 5 draft could be further evidence that the Red Sox are expecting to lose Brock Holt to free agency. Arauz isn’t quite as versatile as Holt (nobody is) but he’s capable of handling several infield positions.

The Red Sox must keep Arauz on their 26-man active roster (or injured list) for the full 2020 season or else they’ll be forced to offer him back to the Astros.

It might be a stretch to assume Arauz is major league-ready after spending only 28 games at Double-A. He’ll get an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in spring training and could provide a cheap option to fill the utility role.

If he’s not ready, the Red Sox could simply send him back to the Astros or attempt to work out a trade that would allow them to keep him in their minor league system.

The Red Sox did not lose any of their unprotected prospects in the Rule 5 draft. Boston’s 40-man roster now stands at 37 following the addition of Arauz.