Almost instantly after the end of a 13-inning walk-off win for the Red Sox over the Philadelphia Phillies, Ken Rosenthal reported that the Sox traded for Ian Kinsler from the Los Angeles Angels.
Source: #RedSox get Kinsler.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2018
In the final deal, the Red Sox landed Kinsler and cash considerations for right-handed pitcher Ty Buttrey—the Red Sox No. 19 prospect—and left-handed pitcher Williams Jerez—the Red Sox No. 23 prospect.
The 36-year-old second baseman is not the same player that hit 40 doubles for the Detroit Tigers in 2014, but he will bring experience and quality to a position the Red Sox need. Alex Cora has been rotating utility players through second base all year, with Eduardo Nunez, Brock Holt, and Tzu Wei Lin all filling in the role for injured Dustin Pedroia. As it seems the fan favorite Pedroia may not make a return to the starting lineup this year, Dave Dombrowski brought in a solid player to fill in the hole in Kinsler.
The 13-year major leaguer is hitting a career .272/.340/.445, with 398 doubles, 247 home runs, 871 RBI’s, and 234 stolen bases. Kinsler’s had a decent season with the Angels so far in 2018, batting .239 with a .304 OBP and .406 SLG. Since July 6, the four-time All-Star is hitting .359 with a .970 OPS, five doubles, two homers and 10 RBIs in 18 games.
Kinsler is red-hot and is joining a team that cannot stop winning. Since the All-Star break, the Sox have won seven of their last 10 games and should have another due to the controversial rain-out in Baltimore.
The Arizona native will fit right into the Red Sox lineup with Nunez at third base as Rafael Devers is on the disabled list. Kinsler—a Gold Glove Award winner—will be a wall at second base and add to the defensive quality in the Red Sox lineup. As the trade deadline gets closer and closer, Kinsler may be the last move the Red Sox make, but with constant rumors of more trades, the Red Sox could be making another move shortly.
