Analysis: With Deven Marrero traded to Arizona, have Sox left themselves vulnerable in the infield?

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Squeezed out because of a crowded infield and roster, Deven Marrero found a safe landing spot in Arizona on Saturday as he was dealt by the Red Sox to Diamondbacks in exchange for a cash or player to be named later.

Marrero, a former first-round selection by the Sox, will be reunited with Diamondbacks assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye, who drafted him when Sawdaye was scouting director for the Red Sox. He’ll also join familiar faces in GM Mike Hazen and manager Torey Lovullo. Lovullo managed Marrero as the Red Sox interim manager in 2015 and served as the Red Sox’ bench coach in 2016.

He had been in a battle with Brock Holt for a utility infield spot, but, without options, faced the prospect of being claimed on waivers if the Red Sox attempted to send him to the minors next week.

“I’m going to miss all the guys in here,’’ said Marrero. “This is where I grew up, this is where I learned the game. It was a blessing to be a Red Sox, that’s for sure. It’s something I’ll never forget. I’ll always be a Red Sox, that’s for sure. I’m going to start the next chapter of my life in Arizona. It’s going to be familiar, knowing Mike Hazen, Torey and all the guys there, so it’s going to be fun. I’m excited.

Marrero, a Miami native, played college ball in the Phoenix area at Arizona State, which should also ease the transition.

“It’s going to be good,’’ he said. “I know that area really well. Knowing Torey and knowing Mike, that’s going to make me feel the most comfortable. It’s going to be exciting. I’m pumped for this next chapter.’’

Marrero knew a reckoning was at hand, with roster cutdowns coming and the team unlikely to retain two utility infielders.

"It was the end of camp and they had to make a decision," he said. "It’s going to be good for me and my career.’’

He’s likely to fill the same role in Arizona, playing behind Jake Lamb at third, Nick Ahmed at short and Ketel Marte at second, but just being on a major league roster is enough for now.

“I want to play in the bigs as long as I can,’’ Marrero said, “and as long as I’m in the big leagues, I’m going to be happy.''

So, where does this leave the Red Sox?

BSJ analysisPresumably, the Sox will have Blake Swihart and Holt as their utility players on the bench.

Swihart has demonstrated a lively bat and is athletic enough to handle catching, first base, left field, and, in a pinch, third base. His bat and his athleticism are his best attributes, but he won't contribute to the middle of the infield.

That task will fall, again, to Holt, who has played seven different positions for the Sox -- all four in the infield and all three outfield spots.

Marrero was the best defender of the utility candidates, and there may be a question about whether the Red Sox have left themselves vulnerable with their infield depth.

Holt may be more versatile than Marrero, but he's a step down defensively at any position, and in particular, there are concerns about his ability to handle shortstop for any stretch of time (Holt regards second base as his natural and best position).

"The more reps he gets at short, the better for him,'' said Alex Cora. "At the same time, his ability to play second, combined with Eduardo (Nunez is big). Rest is very big for this team. I've been saying that for a long time and he's going to help us accomplish that.''

In a worst-case scenario, if the Red Sox need defensive reinforcement at short should Xander Bogaerts be lost for an extended period, they could always call upon Tzu-Wei Lin, who was optioned back to the minor leagues Saturday.

 

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