All articles tagged with #shortstop
With Trevor Story nearing his return to the lineup, the Red Sox plan to make him the starting shortstop again, which would push Andruw Monasterio back into a utility role despite his strong .306/.375/.484 showing during the club’s 15-game win streak.
2026 has seen the shortstop position lose its luster as injuries, aging and regression hit veteran stars, leading teams to move on from established names and lean on rookies; the league-wide .244 batting average at short is the worst since 1975, and no 30+ qualified shortstop posts an OPS+ of 100, signaling a broader shift toward youth at a once-premium defensive position.
The Washington Nationals will shift All-Star shortstop CJ Abrams to second base in coming days to bolster the defense, with Nasim Nuñez moving from second to short. Abrams will still see shortstop errors about once a week as the club weighs long-term fit and potential future roster moves, a decision driven by a desire to win more games in 2026–27. Abrams greeted the plan with professionalism, while questions about morale and timing linger as the season progresses.
The Washington Nationals plan to shift CJ Abrams from shortstop to second base over the final six weeks of the season, with Nasim Nuñez taking over as the primary shortstop. Abrams approved the change, which will be gradual, and it would add second-base eligibility to his fantasy value for this season and into 2027.
The Yankees are promoting top prospect George Lombard Jr. from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make his MLB debut against the Cardinals on Tuesday. At 21, he’s valued for his elite defense and is viewed as a long-term shortstop option, potentially reshaping the Volpe/Caballero situation, though his immediate fantasy impact is likely limited.
Yankees promote top prospect George Lombard Jr. to the majors, opening a 40-man spot by optioning Anthony Volpe, Jasson Dominguez, and Angel Chivilli to Triple‑A and adding Heliot Ramos in a Giants trade. Lombard, who’s been productive in the minors (.268/.405/.440 with 6 homers and 10 steals in 262 PAs for Scranton) after an earlier finger sprain, is expected to bring strong defense, speed, and a patient approach at short and could provide a solid regular floor, though this move is more about depth than an immediate rookie-chasing impact.
Boston is reportedly pursuing a shortstop at the MLB trade deadline, with Craig Breslow pushing to add infield help while weighing bullpen needs; the piece also notes Marcelo Mayer’s historic hype as a prospect and suggests his value could be limited if used as a trade throw-in.
The Angels are reportedly pushing to center a Zach Neto trade around Franklin Arias, Boston’s top prospect, in talks with the Red Sox. Arias, a 20-year-old who just reached Triple-A, has plus defense and big power and is viewed as a potential cornerstone, making the Sox’s ask steep. Neto is controllable for about 3.5 seasons and has 19 homers this year with a strong walk rate, but mixed defensive metrics and interest from other clubs (including the Rays) suggest the trade could involve more than a single offer. Boston has been seeking a shortstop bridge (Trevor Story rehabbing, Marcelo Mayer injury), and has reportedly balked at including Arias in deals, signaling this could be a protracted, multi-team negotiation rather than an imminent swap. The Angels may pivot to other assets if talks stall, keeping the situation fluid through to Monday and beyond.
The Red Sox are eyeing a blockbuster shortstop before the trade deadline, with ESPN insiders naming targets like Zach Neto, CJ Abrams, and Otto Lopez, and signaling openness to trading top prospect Franklin Arias to land a controllable star while Boston remains in the playoff mix.
Cincinnati selected Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron with the 18th pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, lured by his plus power, speed and defense but facing questions about his hit tool and a high strikeout-to-walk ratio, making him a high-ceiling development project for a Reds system focused on upside.
Michael Kay retracted a claim that Anthony Volpe wouldn’t move to second base, saying there’s absolutely no truth to the rumor after further checking; the chatter had arisen from unspecified sources amid Volpe’s defensive struggles and shoulder surgery, with questions about who initially fed Kay the information and why the team considered a position switch for the young shortstop.
Texas Rangers place Corey Seager on the injured list after he departed a game with back pain (his third IL stint this season). Josh Smith was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock as Seager’s brief return ends, and Texas shifts Duran, Smith and rookie Cameron Cauley at shortstop while leading the AL West toward the All-Star break.
Milwaukee Brewers promote shortstop Cooper Pratt to the majors, adding him to the 40-man roster after signing an eight-year, $50.75 million extension, with his MLB debut expected soon (likely Tuesday vs. Cleveland). Pratt has slashed .244/.353/.392 in Nashville and could step into a regular role on Milwaukee's left side of the infield, potentially in a platoon with Ortiz, Hamilton, and Rengifo depending on matchups.
Trevor Story underwent sports hernia surgery and is expected to miss 6-10 weeks, likely out until July; with Story out, the Red Sox plan to move Marcelo Mayer to shortstop to fill the gap and evaluate him at the position as Story begins his recovery.
With Trevor Story sidelined by sports hernia surgery, the Red Sox plan Marcelo Mayer as their likely shortstop this weekend, moving him from second base after he has spent most of the season at keystone. Mayer has only three major-league innings at short and his career at the position was mostly in the minors, while second base will be handled by Nick Sogard, Andruw Monasterio and Isiah Kiner-Falefa; Franklin Arias remains a top Double-A SS prospect not in the immediate plans. Mayer is hitting .221/.290/.313 with two homers over 146 plate appearances, and the Sox have produced little offensively outside of Willson Contreras.