Article: Boston Red Sox 2025 Position Analysis: Second Base

[Bryan Jaeger]

The Red Sox have yet to name a starter at second base, and injuries will force Alex Cora to choose a depth player. 

When Alex Bregman signed with the Red Sox, he seemed likely to end up as the everyday second baseman. Rafael Devers has been dealing with a lingering shoulder injury but is expected to make his spring debut this week. With his late spring start, he will likely start the season as the designated hitter, and Bregman will start at third base. Masataka Yoshida, beginning the season on the injured list, opened the designated hitter slot. If this is how Cora configures his lineup, then that leaves second base open with no clear starter.

Red Sox Second Basemen at a Glance

Starter: David Hamilton
Backup: Vaughn Grissom
Depth: Romy Gonzalez, Nick Sogard
Prospects: Kristian Campbell 
Red Sox 2B 2024 fWAR ranking: 25 out of 30 

The Good
The Red Sox will have a powerful lineup if and when Devers returns to third base and Bregman mans second. There is no obvious choice for second base right now, but the options are defensively strong. Hamilton and Grissom are two of the three names being discussed as the starter. Both started 28 games at second base for the Red Sox last season, with Hamilton putting up a total of 1.7 fWAR and Grissom a disastrous -0.7. Based on last season, Hamilton has to have the edge.

Kristian Campbell also came into camp looking like a real possibility. The 22-year-old was named Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year and is a consensus top 10 prospect in the game. He has only had two seasons in various levels of the minor leagues, but last season, he slashed .330/.439/.558 with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases. Campbell would give the lineup a significant production boost over Grissom and Hamilton, but his inexperience, and the importance of making sure that he continues developing as well as possible, hurt his chances.

The Bad
If Hamilton or Grissom is named the starter, the offense will suffer. Neither is a major contributors to the offense, and they will likely bat eighth in the order. Last season, in 294 at-bats, Hamilton slashed .248/.303/.395 with eight home runs. That worked out to a below-average 92 wRC+, but because he stole 33 of 37 base attempts, he still ended up as a net positive on offense.

Grissom did not perform any better. In 105 at-bats, he slashed .190/.246/.219 with no home runs and six runs batted in.
Based on these numbers, Campbell is the obvious choice to start at second base, even if he has trouble finding his footing at first. However, he has struggled mightily in his first spring training experience. Campbell is 6-for-36 with 15 strikeouts and, surprisingly, has yet to homer, record an RBI, or steal a base. Campbell did homer in the Spring Breakout game against the Tampa Bay Rays, giving Red Sox fans hope that he will start heating up.

The Bottom Line
Assuming the Red Sox are inclined to go this route — by no means a sure thing — they will be better offensively when Devers is healthy. He would return to third base, allowing Bregman to slot into second base. Until then, Hamilton is the likely candidate to man second base. However, it may not be long before we see Campbell get called up. 

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[mvp 78]

Hamilton had a 102 wRC+ against RHP, but a dreadful 43 wRC+ against LHP. They may try to Frankenstein's Monster a 2b out of Hamilton and Romy with their splits as a temporary stop gap until Campbell is fully ready. They may just take their lumps with Campbell? If they are going that route, why not also call up Anthony and fully complete the OF and just go with Duran/Rafaela/Anthony out there? Rip the bandaid off. 

[moonslav59]

26 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Hamilton had a 102 wRC+ against RHP, but a dreadful 43 wRC+ against LHP. They may try to Frankenstein's Monster a 2b out of Hamilton and Romy with their splits as a temporary stop gap until Campbell is fully ready. They may just take their lumps with Campbell? If they are going that route, why not also call up Anthony and fully complete the OF and just go with Duran/Rafaela/Anthony out there? Rip the bandaid off. 

I'm not sure why starting Campbellover a DHam-Romy platoon at 2B should influence the Anthony decision, unless it's about the 40 man roster crunch pushing Brez towards just adding one, and saving other kids for later.

The way the injuries and illnesses are, right now, I think Anthony in RF makes more sense than Campbell at 2B. I'm going to say DHam and Romy "earned" starting slots, but they did look pretty good with the splits in '24. If Abreu is not ready, starting Anthony in RF makes sense, but if Abrei is just out for a few days, we should not add Anthony, unless we are ready to play him FT, once Abreu returns. How does that look?

vs RHP:

LF Duran, CF Anthony, RF Abreu

vs LHP:

LF Refsnyder, CF Duran, RF Anthony

There is no starting slot for Rafaela, this way.

 

[mvp 78]

1 hour ago, moonslav59 said:

I'm not sure why starting Campbellover a DHam-Romy platoon at 2B should influence the Anthony decision, unless it's about the 40 man roster crunch pushing Brez towards just adding one, and saving other kids for later.

The way the injuries and illnesses are, right now, I think Anthony in RF makes more sense than Campbell at 2B.

Oh, then you do kind of see my point. Anthony definitely makes sense on the roster right now. If they are going to start Campbell at 2b, they should be starting Anthony as well. 

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

I'm not opposed to starting both Campbell and Anthony over Hamilton and Abreu, because the two prospects are going to be more consistent extra-base threats -- and they may even be this summer.

I am on record saying that Rafaela is playing centerfield and will not be platooned, and there's no going back with Devers at the hot corner. Bregman is the guy as long as he's here, and if he ever opts out, it will now be a lot easier to transition a younger guy to 3B.

[mvp 78]

15 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

I'm not opposed to starting both Campbell and Anthony over Hamilton and Abreu, because the two prospects are going to be more consistent extra-base threats -- and they may even be this summer.

I am on record saying that Rafaela is playing centerfield and will not be platooned, and there's no going back with Devers at the hot corner. Bregman is the guy as long as he's here, and if he ever opts out, it will now be a lot easier to transition a younger guy to 3B.

Mayer

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

7 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Mayer

That's who I was thinking of, because Old Man Story -- or at least his contract -- are here for the next three seasons.

[moonslav59]

44 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Oh, then you do kind of see my point. Anthony definitely makes sense on the roster right now. If they are going to start Campbell at 2b, they should be starting Anthony as well. 

No.

DHam & Romy are not hurt or coming off a nasty illness.

1. I don't like Ref in RF, but he will likely play there, anyway vs LHPs, even with a healthy Abreu.

2. Ref should not start vs RHPs.

With Anthony, none of this happens. Ref plays LF vs LHPs, with Duran moving to CF. Rafaela becomes the super sub and can play 2B or SS. He further crowds the middle IF, making Campbell less needed.

That being said, I am fine with Campbell getting the call on opening day, but I think they will try and get him (and maybe Anthony, too) the extra year of control. Just my opinion on what Brez chooses.

[moonslav59]

36 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

 

I am on record saying that Rafaela is playing centerfield and will not be platooned.

If Duran and Anthony play FT OF, and Devers is the FT DH, how can you bench Refsnyder vs LHPs and play Rafaela, instead?

Refsnyder is the 13th best batter vs LHPs over the last 3 years, and we suck vs lefties.

vs LHPs:

LF Refsnyder

CF Duran

RF Anthony

Vs RHPs: Duran, Anthony, Abreu

Rafaela will be the supersub, IMO. Expensive, but he can play CF, RF, 2B and SS.

 

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

2 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

If Duran and Anthony play FT OF, and Devers is the FT DH, how can you bench Refsnyder vs LHPs and play Rafaela, instead?

Refsnyder is the 13th best batter vs LHPs over the last 3 years, and we suck vs lefties.

vs LHPs:

LF Refsnyder

CF Duran

RF Anthony

Vs RHPs: Duran, Anthony, Abreu

Rafaela will be the supersub, IMO. Expensive, but he can play CF, RF, 2B and SS.

 

Cora says he's his centerfielder. I think the Sox have made a commitment to their new pitchers to put the best defense out there that's available. Moving Ceddanne all over the place last year was for survival, but when everyone's healthy, Boston needs them in their best spots.

Maybe they're grooming Campbell to be the new Zobrist, because his best spot is in the batter's box.

[Old Red]

2 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

If Duran and Anthony play FT OF, and Devers is the FT DH, how can you bench Refsnyder vs LHPs and play Rafaela, instead?

Refsnyder is the 13th best batter vs LHPs over the last 3 years, and we suck vs lefties.

vs LHPs:

LF Refsnyder

CF Duran

RF Anthony

Vs RHPs: Duran, Anthony, Abreu

Rafaela will be the supersub, IMO. Expensive, but he can play CF, RF, 2B and SS.

 

If Anthony is FT, which he should be when he makes the 26 that leaves a Duran, RAF Man, and Anthony OF. That leaves less of a need for Ref Man, and then what to do with Abreu. I see RAF Man being the FT CF not any role player moving around IMO. The less moving around the better it is for the team IMO for all the FT players.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

If Refsnyder platoons with anyone, at least early, it will be Abreu, who lost 20 pounds. 

There's a reason they played Rob in rightfield the other day.

[mvp 78]

4 minutes ago, Old Red said:

If Anthony is FT, which he should be when he makes the 26 that leaves a Duran, RAF Man, and Anthony OF. That leaves less of a need for Ref Man, and then what to do with Abreu. I see RAF Man being the FT CF not any role player moving around IMO. The less moving around the better it is for the team IMO for all the FT players.

Refsnyder is RHB off the bench which is a fine role for him. 

[drewski6]

Guys will move around, guys will platoon and the lineup will change even if there were no injuries/maint days, which there will be.

Those of you who think guys will only play one position, you are just looking at things through an old school lens, and we're not that way and neither are most teams.

Versatility/flexibility/adaptability/changes - more than you are use to seeing. Count on it.

[drewski6]

2 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

If Refsnyder platoons with anyone, at least early, it will be Abreu, who lost 20 pounds. 

There's a reason they played Rob in rightfield the other day.

Yup, cross-pollination / strategic redundancy.

They want as many guys ready to play as many different positions as possible.  Decisions will be made on a case by case and day by day basis regarding who is playing and at what position.

[drewski6]

Literally every fantasy baseball article I read is talking about who so many guys throughout the league are going to have so many eligible positions by June. I know thats talking fantasy baseball but if guys are gaining position eligibility in fantasy its because they are moving around.

Its like a huge talking point among baseball nerds how the game has changed so much in this regard. Positions are fluid in todays mlb.

[moonslav59]

21 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

Cora says he's his centerfielder. I think the Sox have made a commitment to their new pitchers to put the best defense out there that's available. Moving Ceddanne all over the place last year was for survival, but when everyone's healthy, Boston needs them in their best spots.

Maybe they're grooming Campbell to be the new Zobrist, because his best spot is in the batter's box.

So, we bench GG and better batter Abreu for Rafaela & Anthony?

Duran-Rafaela-Anthony

Bench: Abreu & Ref.

I don't think so.

[moonslav59]

16 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

Refsnyder is RHB off the bench which is a fine role for him. 

How does a team who stunk vs LHPs and got worse losing O'Neal bench the 13th best batter vs LHPs, so rafaela can play FT, or Abreu can bat vs LHPs after a sub .560 season?

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

It's a draft strategy to pick the best player available, and a draft joke here when the Red Sox always draft shortstops, because that means those guys can play anywhere.

Most fans probably remember the Little League cliche that all the best kids play shortstop when they don't pitch. But nowadays -- in the world of multi-team sports in the same seasons and year-round -- those same players are also all catchers. Why? Because catcher is the hardest position, and only the best ballplayers can handle it.

 

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

5 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

So, we bench GG and better batter Abreu for Rafaela & Anthony?

Duran-Rafaela-Anthony

Bench: Abreu & Ref.

I don't think so.

In a few years, your three-man outfield could be the starting unit for the next great Red Sox team (while the other two may not even be playing in Boston). Can you at least envision that possibility?

[mvp 78]

28 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

How does a team who stunk vs LHPs and got worse losing O'Neal bench the 13th best batter vs LHPs, so rafaela can play FT, or Abreu can bat vs LHPs after a sub .560 season?

I have Roman Anthony batting instead of Refsnyder playing the field. I'm not worried about Abreu, the 4th OFer.

[mvp 78]

24 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

In a few years, your three-man outfield could be the starting unit for the next great Red Sox team (while the other two may not even be playing in Boston). Can you at least envision that possibility?

But we could be dragging out a 40 year old Rob Refsnyder to platoon for 30 games at DH!!!?!?!??!

[Bellhorn04]

44 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

Literally every fantasy baseball article I read is talking about who so many guys throughout the league are going to have so many eligible positions by June. I know thats talking fantasy baseball but if guys are gaining position eligibility in fantasy its because they are moving around.

Its like a huge talking point among baseball nerds how the game has changed so much in this regard. Positions are fluid in todays mlb.

Sounds great in theory, but how many guys are actually good at multiple positions.  Kike at shortstop was a disaster.  Rafaela struggled there too.  

[moonslav59]

49 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

In a few years, your three-man outfield could be the starting unit for the next great Red Sox team (while the other two may not even be playing in Boston). Can you at least envision that possibility?

Of course. Ref may retire, after this year. I must have suggested 20 Abreu trades over the winter, because I can see this happening.

Right now, I would never be okay with benching Ref vs LHPs, in fact, I'd bat him top 5 in the line-up- 6th at worst. He is THAT good!

[moonslav59]

27 minutes ago, mvp 78 said:

I have Roman Anthony batting instead of Refsnyder playing the field.

I would, too.

I'd have Ref playing over Raf vs LHPs, and Abreu over Raf vs RHPs.

[moonslav59]

Back to 2B.

IMO, we start the year with DHam and Romy platooning 2B.

I'd be fine with Campbell at 2B FT, but I think Brez holds off a few weeks.

[Old Red]

28 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Sounds great in theory, but how many guys are actually good at multiple positions.  Kike at shortstop was a disaster.  Rafaela struggled there too.  

RAF Man said it took him a few games to  adjust on tracking fly balls after moving back to the OF last year too.

[drewski6]

49 minutes ago, Bellhorn04 said:

Sounds great in theory, but how many guys are actually good at multiple positions.  Kike at shortstop was a disaster.  Rafaela struggled there too.  

Its certainly a cost vs benefit decision that weighs having the best lineup factoring in availability (health), streakiness, and handedness vs ideal defensive alignment.

But there is no debating that the amount of players playing multiple positions is on the rise, and platooning is on the rise (shortening benches), and carrying an extra pitcher is on the rise (again shortening benches) and guys are just moving around more.
 

[drewski6]

But its obvious case by case.

[moonslav59]

49 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

Its certainly a cost vs benefit decision that weighs having the best lineup factoring in availability (health), streakiness, and handedness vs ideal defensive alignment.

But there is no debating that the amount of players playing multiple positions is on the rise, and platooning is on the rise (shortening benches), and carrying an extra pitcher is on the rise (again shortening benches) and guys are just moving around more.
 

For sure.

I really like Rafaela, a lot, and I have hopes his offense will improve. How much is the big question. At what he will, in a few years, he should be a starter, but if he can get 450+ PAs at CF, RF, SS and 2B, that would be a very valuable player to have.

Not talking April, 2025, but I think Duran and Anthony will be FT'ers. As long as Abreu is here, he should play vs RHPs. As long as Refsnyder here, he should play vs LHPs. That fills up the OF,without even thinking about Yoshida in LF, if Devers remains the FT DH.

We have 3 guys fifor the 2 middle IF slots: Story, Mayer and Campbell. We have more-than-capable platoon tandem of DHam and Romy as back-ups. Rafaela may be a better option than them, but I doubt he wins an IF job over Campbell, Mayer and Story.

Either someone will need to be traded, or Rafaela will be the super utility guy.

I think we will try to trade Yoshida, assuming he adds some value, this year, or we just dump him, if he doesn't.

Bregman's status in 2026 could make a difference, as 3B could open up for Mayer or Campbell, which could allow Rafaela to play 2B near FT or often.

Then, there are farther away players like Jh garcia,  Romero, Arias, Bleis, Cespedes and others.

Having a surplus of talent is never a bad thing, unless it's among DH only players, but Ref might retire after this year, and Bregman may bolt. Someone may get hurt, not meet expectations or drop off a cliff, which would make the chocies easier, but I think we see some trades, next winter, if not this summer..