Red Sox News: Boston still looking to add a middle infielder, Max Ferguson, more
By Eric Cole
Well, fellow Boston Red Sox fans, we have successfully weathered the off-season storm and spring training has finally arrived. Our friends over at Over the Monster have put together a post where they are collecting scenes from spring training as players arrive if you are in desperate need of some proof that baseball is actually coming back and it is beautiful.
However, that does not mean that Chaim Bloom and the Red Sox front office finished done making moves. According a report from Chad Jennings of the Athletic, the Red Sox could make a move for another infielder given that Christian Arroyo, Jarren Duran, and Adalberto Mondesi aren't exactly ideal "Plan A" options round out the middle infield depth on the 26-man roster alongside Kiké Hernández.
Given what is left on the free agent market, you may want to temper your expectations a bit there, though. Potential targets include veterans Elvis Andrus and José Iglesias. A trade to address this roster need remains remotely possible, but far from probable.
More Red Sox News
The Red Sox acquired Max Ferguson at the trade deadline in the same deal that brought Eric Hosmer to Boston (who was subsequently released). At first glance, Ferguson's numbers in the minor leagues do not jump off the page whatsoever. However, we took a deeper look and there is still hope that the speedy infielder could be a diamond in the rough thanks to his ability to get on base.
MLB News
Around the league, MLB's competition announced a pair of new rules changes for 2023 that are separate from the previously known changes regarding the pitch clock, limits on the shift and bigger bases. Starting in 2023, the "ghost runner" on second base in extra innings rule is now a permanent change and there are also limits on when position players can pitch in games.
In sad news, Washington Nationals owner Ted Lerner passed away yesterday at the age of 97. Lerner had been dealing with complications from pneumonia. After acquiring the franchise, Lerner was instrumental in bringing baseball back to Washington DC. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.