Ranking available free agent second basemen for Red Sox to target heading into 2025

Second base is up for grabs for Opening Day in Boston as the Red Sox haven't found a reliable second baseman since Dustin Pedroia.

Vaughn Grissom is a likely choice to earn the starting job next year, though Kristian Campbell won’t be far behind. After being traded from Atlanta in the deal that sent Chris Sale to the Braves, Grissom only played in 31 games and batted .190.

Though no one wants him to fail, Campbell’s inevitable arrival to the major leagues is a safe fallback option. Ranked No. 3 in Boston’s farm system, Campbell’s rapid, successful rise through the minors is bound to bring additional competition as second base. Additionally, the Sox have Ceddanne Rafaela, David Hamilton, Emmanuel Valdez, and Romy González as utility infielders to fall back on. 

With plenty of depth at second base, the Sox won’t pursue a free agent at the keystone unless plans go awry this winter. But, it’s always good to think ahead. Here are the top free agent second basemen the Red Sox should target heading into 2025.

Ranking available free agent second basemen for Red Sox to target for 2025

1. Miguel Rojas

Age is just a number for Miguel Rojas this year. The 35-year-old finished the regular season with a .283 batting average, 87 hits, and 2.7 offensive WAR. Rojas is a reliable contact hitter and fielder with plenty of clubhouse leadership. His experience would be welcomed in the Sox clubhouse as the team looks to focus on its young talent.

Acquiring Rojas would help the Sox solidify their infield while leaving plenty of payroll flexibility. His ability to get his bat on the ball would keep pitchers on their toes when facing the bottom half of the lineup while hopefully sparking late-game runs. The Dodgers will almost certainly pick up Rojas’ club option of $5 million, but the Sox shouldn't waste any time to engage with Rojas on the off chance they don't.

2. Whit Merrifield

Whit Merrifield is an ideal bench candidate that would add substantial depth. He’s a three-time All-Star who knows how to run the bases and has a high fielding IQ. Though he put up a career-low batting average of .222 last year, Merrifield’s past success greatly outweighs one subpar season. 

Merrifield has plenty of good at-bats left in him and his defense is still solid. His righty bat would fit in well in Boston, and his contract will be a great deal for his value-add. If Merrifield isn’t snatched by another team by February, the Sox may shuffle around their current bench infielders to make room for him.

3.  Brandon Drury

Brandon Drury is all about utility. Throughout his career, he has played all positions in the infield and even briefly spent some time in the outfield corners. His ability to play nearly every position in the field would allow Boston to move him around if needed. His biggest flaw, however, is his spotty hitting throughout the season and from year to year. 

Drury is a calculated risk worth taking. He has a career slash line of .245/.296/.421 and can throw with accuracy. By signing Drury, the Sox would trade consistent productivity for solid defense, which is a worthwhile trade-off if Jarren Duran and Connor Wong continue slugging away, and Rafael Devers returns to his prime form. It’s doubtful that Boston would sign him, but giving him a one-year, inexpensive deal would provide insurance if "you know what" hits the fan.

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