The Red Sox have traded for second baseman Ian Kinsler and received cash considerations from the Los Angeles Angels. In return, the Angels have obtained right-hander Ty Buttrey and left-hander Williams Jerez.As per reports from Ken Rosenthal, the Angels will be covering half of Kinsler’s remaining $3.6 million salary.Kinsler, aged 36, has been hitting .239 this season with 13 home runs and 32 RBIs. With the Red Sox’s second baseman Dustin Pedroia out indefinitely, there was a need for more depth at the position.
Dave Dombrowski, the president of baseball operations for the Red Sox, mentioned post the team’s 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday that Kinsler is expected to assume the role of the regular second baseman. This would push Eduardo Nunez and Brock Holt back to utility roles once third baseman Rafael Devers recovers from the disabled list.
Dombrowski stated, “Ian is an exceptional defensive player, something we were hoping for early in the season from Dustin.”
Kinsler, over his 13-year career, has primarily played at second base.
Red Sox pitcher David Price commented on Kinsler, saying, “He’s the most similar teammate to Dustin Pedroia that I’ve ever had. He brings a lot of intensity and passion every day. He’s a competitor who can enhance any team. We’re thrilled to have him.”
Angels GM Billy Eppler expressed his gratitude towards Kinsler for his time with the team.
Eppler mentioned in a conference call on Monday, “While it was a tough decision, we are excited about the players we are acquiring and their potential impact in the future. Kinsler has qualities that people naturally respect and gravitate towards. We need to assess the impact and duration of that impact with the players coming back in this trade.”
