This past offseason, the Boston Red Sox went crazy with infield depth acquisitions. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Brendan Rodgers, Caleb Durbin, Andruw Monasterio and Anthony Seigler are all infielders, and Braiden Ward has recent infielding experience.
But Rodgers' time on the Red Sox was short-lived. On February 25, the second baseman dove for a ball with his glove arm fully extended and landed awkwardly on his side — Red Sox fans were immediately reminded of Trevor Story's 2024 injury that kept him sidelined from April to September.
Rodgers went for an MRI on his shoulder and Alex Cora was blunt about his results, which “didn’t look great.” He'll need surgery to repair a torn labrum and some chipped bones in his right shoulder.
This news is clearly not what the Red Sox wanted to hear. On March 24, they released Rodgers in the wake of his injury and the long recovery ahead.
Red Sox release depth infielder Brendan Rodgers after news that he needs shoulder surgery
Rodgers is a former third overall draft pick and Gold Glove Award-winning second baseman and he would've been a quality depth option in Boston's infield, had he been healthy. The Red Sox may still see him that way, as Chris Cotillo of MassLive reports that they may re-negotiate a deal with him as he recovers from surgery.
With any luck, Boston won't miss Rodgers this season. Marcelo Mayer made the Opening Day roster as a second base option and he's working on maintaining his health over a full year. Romy Gonzalez will be able to play in about two months when his shoulder surgery recovery is complete, and the Sox have a litany of other depth options.
Rodgers is fresh off a down season with the Houston Astros, and many of the Red Sox's other depth infield options have more promising bats. He slashed .191/.266/.278 with 46 strikeouts in 43 games. He spent most of last season on the IL with an oblique strain, and he could have a similar fate this season, if he plays again at all.
Improving their infield defense was a huge priority for the Red Sox this offseason — the defense has long been a problem because Boston's infielders have struggled to stay healthy. David Hamilton had to take over shortstop from Story on multiple occasions and Abraham Toro spent most of last season at first base, a position he'd only played 15 times in the big leagues before.
Rodgers was a great insurance policy for any potential injuries in the Sox's infield until his own injury in February. If the Red Sox can negotiate a deal to bring him back when he's healthy, they should do so.