"I'm gonna let the tail wag the dog for a minute and say that, because IKF cost the Red Sox real money to sign, and because the Red Sox were willing to give it up at this time, the odds they still believe they can trade for a Nico Hoerner or Matt Shaw (or Isaac Paredes, Ketel Marte, etc.), seem at least somewhat reduced."
"I think the Red Sox instead probably view IKF as someone who can play very good defense at second base or third base, while backing up shortstop and rotating around to optimize the performance of their new ground-ball-heavy pitching staff. I think they also probably got tired of the Cubs holding the line on any trade demands as extremely high (which, by the way, the Cubs were right to hold that line)."
"Does that mean I think a trade from here is absolutely off the table? No, of course not. You'd be crazy to describe Isiah Kiner-Falefa quite that way. I just think this move is an acknowledgement by the Red Sox that the big trade may not happen for them, and they better get at least SOME help on the defensive side of the infield group before Spring Training, lest they be in a real bind later on."
Isiah Kiner-Falefa signed with the Red Sox for a reported $6 million plus incentives, an amount higher than many expected for a bench piece. The contract indicates a valuation of his defensive versatility across second base, third base, and as a shortstop backup. The signing reduces urgency and financial flexibility for pursuing a major infield trade such as Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw, Isaac Paredes, or Ketel Marte. The move provides immediate defensive depth and rotational options to complement a ground-ball-heavy pitching staff. Reports indicate the team may still pursue trades, but the signing supplies short-term insurance.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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