Red Sox Must Balance Andruw Monasterio's Bat & Glove Following Trevor Story's Injury

In a season plagued by injuries and inconsistent offensive production, utility man Andruw Monasterio has emerged as one of the Red Sox’s most productive hitters. After starting the season 2-for-14 and drawing attention for a viral ABS challenge, Monasterio found his footing in the team’s April 25 matchup against the Baltimore Orioles. He went 3-for-6 with his first career grand slam, marking a turning point in his offensive production. But despite his breakout at the plate, defensive struggles continue to keep him from securing an everyday role.

Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in the six-player trade that featured Boston acquiring Caleb Durbin, Monasterio was added to the roster as a depth piece but has taken advantage of his limited opportunities. His versatility has allowed the Red Sox to deploy him across the infield, with Monasterio appearing at first base, second base, shortstop and third base this season.. Quietly, he has produced a 100 wRC+, at least 30 points higher than every current Red Sox starting infield outside of first baseman Willson Contreras. In 66 at-bats, he is batting .258/.310/.424 with a .734 OPS, and his underlying metrics suggest there could still be room for further growth. He owns a .288 expected batting average and a .423 expected slugging percentage, while his .335 xwOBA ranks fifth on the team. His average exit velocity has climbed to a career-high 90.8 mph and his 46.9% hard-hit rate is also the highest mark of his career, tantalizing proof that he’s consistently making better contact than ever before. A significant part of his improvement is in his approach against fastballs, which he is hitting .282 this season, a .057 increase from last year.

However, despite his revelation at the plate, his fielding is what’s keeping him from being an everyday starter.

While his offensive numbers are positive, his defense has led him to -0.1 fWAR. This is in large part due to his having a -3 outs above average across all of his positions, the lowest on the team. Statistically, he only converts 67% of fieldable balls, while his expected success rate is 82%. Monasterio has struggled most at shortstop, where he has a -2 out above average. He has completed only 60% of plays, while his estimated success rate is as high as 82%. This inefficiency is why he continues to be third on the depth chart at shortstop, behind Trevor Story and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, despite both having wRC+ figures below 50.

This whole equation could change drastically now that Story is headed for the injured list. Nick Sogard was called up from the minor leagues to serve as a utility depth option, but he's not an everyday starter. And you can be sure that Kiner-Falefa won't be getting more than the occasional rep at shortstop given his complete lack of offensive competence. Can the Red Sox live with a slightly worse glove at the most important infield position if it means getting Monasterio's bat in the lineup with regularity?

The Red Sox are not in a position to be picky, as they currently sit last in the American League East and rank among the bottom six in the MLB with a .239 expected batting average. In their series opener against the Atlanta Braves, Monasterio drew the start at shortstop over Story, showing the team is willing to prioritize his bat despite his defensive limitations. If he can maintain his offensive production while showing improvement in the field, he could continue to carve out a larger role and potentially emerge as a longer-term option in the infield.