The Boston Red Sox acquired shortstop Adalberto Mondesà from the Kansas City Royals.
Adalberto Mondesà will be traded to the Red Sox, according to the source. The Royals will receive Josh Taylor in return, while Boston will also receive a player to be named later.
– Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 24, 2023
The Red Sox get Mondesi and a player to be named later in trade for reliever Josh Taylor. Boston has been looking for a shortstop since Xander Bogaerts signed with the San Diego Padres. They signed Trevor Story two seasons ago to fill the gap with Bogarets’ inevitable departure. Story is now dealing with an elbow injury that is slated to sideline him for most of the 2023 season.
Trading for a shortstop made sense, since the Red Sox had no other options at the position. They would have to give the utility man Enrique Hernández the keys to the position. However, she is better suited as his center fielder. Mondesà seemed to be the “best” shortstop available. Big names like Trae Turner, Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson are all at the table now.
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Mondesà is still just 27 years old despite entering his eighth season. He has spent his entire career with the Kansas City Royals. With a team like the Royals completely in rebuilding mode, he’s not surprised they would trade one of his best players. The value in return probably wasn’t what they expected, but he opens the door for other players to get more playing time.
Mondesà is known more for his speed and defense than his bat. Mondesà led the league in stolen bases at 24 in the COVID-abbreviated season. His career high for stolen bases is 43. He has a .244 batting average and a .687 OPS. Injuries have also hampered his career. He has played fewer than 60 games in each of the past three seasons, so it’s no wonder his trade value was so low.
Right now, the Boston Red Sox have +1600 to win the AL East according to MLB betting sites, tied with the Baltimore Orioles. Adding Mondesi doesn’t really move the line at all. This was simply a deep trade that will be low risk, high reward if it stays healthy.
