Red Sox lack depth at first base, one internal option getting reps this spring
The Red Sox lack depth behind first baseman Triston Casas.
Boston has utility man Romy Gonzalez is currently on the 40-man roster as another option to back up Casas. Outside of those two players, another utility man and switch-hitter, Nick Sogard, has been working at the position this spring.
Sogard, who has seen time at first base with the WooSox, has also played second base, shortstop, third base, and in the outfield.
“We need somebody that can play first, a right-handed bat that can play first,” said manager Alex Cora.
Sogard could create a new path to the big leagues as a backup for Casas while also serving as a positionally versatile bench piece.
The 27-year-old played three games at first base for the WooSox last season. A position he embraced right away when the Red Sox presented him the idea.
“I feel fairly comfortable over there,” Sogard said about playing first base to Beyond the Monster last season. “There was a ball thrown towards the baseline the other night that was weird for me. I think that will come easier with more reps. Overall, I have felt pretty comfortable. With any position, there are little things that take some time to get used to, but for the most part, I feel pretty comfortable over there.”
Sogard made his Major League debut during the middle of last season and hit .273 with a .650 OPS in 31 games while serving as the best defensive infielder with 2 OAA while splitting time at second, third, and short.
After getting a taste of the bigs, Sogard accomplished a goal he set when he was a kid and is focused on working to become a starter and an everyday player in the majors. He faces an uphill battle with the depth the Red Sox have built around the diamond, but he will serve as a strong insurance plan with the WooSox if anyone misses time this season.
Red Sox top prospect focused on making Opening Day roster and not a contract extension
Roman Anthony wants to break camp with the Red Sox and make the Opening Day roster. Baseball’s top prospect is excited for the opportunity to potentially play for the Red Sox sooner rather than later but hasn’t put much thought into a long-term extension with the club.