The Boston Red Sox made a key trade on Tuesday afternoon when they acquired veteran utility infielder Adalberto Mondesi from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for left-hander Josh Taylor and a player to be named later.
Thus, they have addressed their need for a temporary shortstop with Xander Bogaerts gone and Trevor Story on the shelf.
And so, there are several ways the Red Sox could go about using him in 2023 while they wait for the return of Story.
On Twitter, Red Sox MLB.com writer Ian Browne proposed a possible Red Sox lineup for the beginning of the 2023 season.
For the Red Sox, the lineup could look something like this: Masataka Yoshida LF, Hernández SS-2B, Rafael Devers 3B, Justin Turner DH, Alex Verdugo RF, Adam Duvall CF, Triston Casas 1B, Mondesi SS-2B, Reese McGuire C .
—Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) January 24, 2023
The team has several options when concerning the shortstop position.
They now have Mondesi in the fold, but could also use Enrique Hernandez or Christian Arroyo at that spot.
The Red Sox are fortunate to have several solid internal options in place as they look to shore up the shortstop position while they await the return of Story.
They also can use Arroyo or Hernandez in the outfield on occasion to give Mondesi some more looks at shortstop.
Mondesi can also play at second base and third base, which could benefit the team if Rafael Devers needs a day off or they choose to use him as their designated hitter.
But with several options in the infield, they should be set to go at the shortstop position.
They also have Justin Turner, who can play at second base, third base, and even first base.
The Red Sox have made a key move to strengthen their depth in the infield.