The Boston Red Sox have traded to acquire Ian Kinsler from the Los Angeles Angels for two minor leaguers.
The #RedSox today acquired 2B Ian Kinsler and cash considerations from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for minor league RHP Ty Buttrey and minor league LHP Williams Jerez.
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) July 31, 2018
In Kinsler, the Red Sox acquire a four-time All-Star as well as a former Gold Glove defender. Although he isn’t the player he once was, Ian Kinsler provides a veteran bat with plenty of defense. Kinsler is hitting .239 with 13 home runs and 32 RBI while swiping nine bags in thirteen attempts. The pop and speed combination will add to a lineup that already features players of that dynamic.
Ian Kinsler Traded to the Boston Red Sox
Kinsler ranks first in defensive WAR amongst American League second basemen and so he shores up a defense that has had inconsistencies. He ranks as the ninth best second baseman in Major League Baseball based on overall WAR. A team that was scrapping for different infield options suddenly has a strong right side of the infield in Kinsler along with Mitch Moreland.
Although Kinsler hit .219 in the first half of the season, he is slashing a fantastic .320 in the month of July while hitting .452 thus far in the second half of the season. Having the former Gold Glove infielder on the diamond as well as the lineup will be a plus for the Red Sox. Ian Kinsler will likely see himself placed into the bottom half of the lineup to shore up the hole at second base. Expect to see him bat in the sixth or seventh hole with such a potent lineup that the Red Sox possess.
Manager Alex Cora now has the ability to play any combination of Eduardo Nunez, Brock Holt, and Blake Swihart at third base until Rafael Devers returns from the disabled list. We’re all hoping the Sox aren’t done making moves and that they make a move to acquire a bullpen arm as the trade deadline nears.
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