Red Sox have reportedly shown interest in infielder Marcus Semien
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
With the starting second base job still wide open, the Red Sox may look for an external fix to avoid having a revolving door at the position again in 2021. According to Peter Gammons, the Red Sox “like” free agent Marcus Semien for the role.
In his last full season in 2019, Semien finished third in AL MVP voting. He hit .285 with with 33 home runs and 92 RBIs for the Oakland A’s, before experiencing a slight drop off during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
Granted, brining Semien in to play second base would be somewhat of a risk given he hasn’t played the position since 2014. The 30-year-old has been a shortstop for the majority of his eight-year career, with only 26 of his 766 starts coming at second. Robert Murray of FanSided reported earlier this month that Semien “is drawing interest from several teams and a few have asked about his ability to play second or third bases.”
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The Red Sox interest in Semien appears to be in its early stages, as Gammons notes the club “doesn’t yet know” the financial parameters of a potential contract. Boston’s top prospect Jeter Downs currently projects as a second baseball, so the team likely wouldn’t want to block his path to the majors. With Downs’ major league debut on the horizon and Xander Bogaerts locked in long-term at shortstop, any deal would likely be short term.
Currently, the Red Sox have three potential second basemen on their 40-man roster in Jonathan Arauz, Christian Arroyo, and Michael Chavis. Dustin Pedroia is on the 40-man as well, but isn’t expected to play in 2021.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].