2. Brendan Rodgers
Formerly a top-10 prospect in baseball, Brendan Rodgers has finally started showing life over the past two seasons. In 2022, Rodgers hit .266/.325/.408 with a 96 OPS+. He hits the ball hard (80th percentile), but he’s a ground ball hitter (his 52.2 GB% was the sixth highest among qualified hitters). With some adjustments, Rodgers could become a 30+ home run hitter.
Rodgers isn’t a perfect fit as he’s more of a 2B than a SS. He’s played shortstop in the past, but he’s never been great at the position. This was his best season at second base, as he reached a career high 3 OAA. His arm strength (20th percentile) isn’t cut out for shortstop.
If the Red Sox are committed to Trevor Story at shortstop, and are confident he can return from the injury just fine, then Rodgers can be a long-term option at 2B. For 2023, take your pick of Arroyo or Rodgers at SS. There’s a lot of potential for Rodgers as a solid defender and an above average hitter, and at 26 years old with three seasons of team control remaining, he could be a good pickup for the Red Sox regardless of Story’s injury.