One thing you can’t say about this Boston Red Sox roster is that it doesn’t have enough depth. By adding big-name free agent Wilson Contreras and trading for third baseman Caleb Durbin just before Spring Training, the Red Sox have turned portions of last year’s lineup into high-quality bench players.
While the starting nine seems to have filled out nicely, free agent acquisition Isiah Kiner-Falefa told the media that he is looking forward to helping out in every way he can as a utility player on this season’s roster. He said he embraces the not-so-sexy role.
“Not many people can do it,” Kiner-Falefa said. “You see the Kikés (Hernandez), Chris Taylors, Brock Holts, these guys who have had so much success. They’re valuable, valuable players.
“Having that opportunity to really dive into that instead of just playing one position, and being a mid position player. Instead, I get to focus on being one of the top utility players in the league, and that’s my goal.”
Manager Alex Cora likely hopes to use IKF at all three infield positions. This would allow for Trevor Story, Marcelo Mayer and Caleb Durbin to have their rest days staggered.
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But IKF isn’t looking to just fill in; he wants to be the best defensive utility player in the league.
“I was joking around with (Ceddanne) Rafaela today,” Kiner-Falefa said. “Hoping he just plays one spot so he can’t qualify for the utility Gold Glove.
“It’s something I’m going to try to go after and help the team in any way. Looking at the versatility on this roster, it’s a pretty special roster. I’m excited to see what we can do.”
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