For the second time in just a few days, the Boston Red Sox have reportedly strengthened their infield by adding another player with Gold Glove credentials, continuing a clear trend of prioritizing defense and depth this offseason.
After reports surfaced Wednesday that Boston agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal with veteran utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa — himself a former Gold Glove winner — the Red Sox followed up with another infield addition on Thursday. According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the team has signed infielder Brendan Rodgers to a minor league contract, giving Boston another experienced option as spring training approaches.
Rodgers, now 29, entered professional baseball with high expectations. He was selected third overall by the Colorado Rockies in the 2015 MLB Draft and made his major league debut in 2019. Over the next several seasons, he remained with the Rockies organization, spending six years in Colorado and sharing the clubhouse with current Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story until Story departed following the 2021 season.
At his best, Rodgers showed real offensive promise. His strongest campaign came in 2021, when he posted a .798 OPS while hitting 15 home runs, showing a blend of power and consistency that suggested he could become a long-term fixture in the Rockies’ infield. However, his offensive production has been inconsistent since then, and his first season away from Coors Field proved especially challenging.
In 2024, Rodgers suited up for the Houston Astros but struggled to find his footing at the plate. Across 43 games, he hit just .191 with a .266 on-base percentage and a .278 slugging percentage. He managed only two home runs and 11 RBIs while finishing with 0.0 WAR, raising questions about whether his bat could rebound in a new environment.
The Red Sox are clearly betting on upside. Fenway Park, with its hitter-friendly dimensions — particularly for right-handed batters — could provide Rodgers with an opportunity to rediscover his offensive rhythm if he earns a roster spot. Even if his bat remains inconsistent, his defensive value alone makes him a worthwhile depth addition.
Rodgers’ glove is his calling card. In 2022, he won the National League Gold Glove Award at second base and delivered the best overall season of his career, posting a 4.3 WAR. His defensive reliability gives Boston another trustworthy option in the middle infield, especially important over the course of a long season where injuries and rest days are inevitable.
From a roster-construction standpoint, this move fits neatly into Boston’s broader strategy. Rodgers now joins a crowded competition at second base that includes Romy Gonzalez, David Hamilton, Nick Sogard, and Kiner-Falefa. Adding Rodgers to the mix increases internal competition and gives the Red Sox flexibility, whether as injury insurance or a potential breakout candidate.
Overall, this appears to be a low-risk, high-reward signing. If Rodgers recaptures even part of his previous form, Boston could uncover a valuable contributor. If not, his defense alone ensures the Red Sox are better prepared heading into the season.
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