Christian Arroyo could get his chance with Boston Red Sox

Christian Arroyo is still looking to prove himself in the majors. The Boston Red Sox infielder may finally have that chance.

The middle of the Red Sox infield has plenty of openings, especially with Trevor Story set to miss a significant portion of the 2023 season. While Enrique Hernandez is likely to move over to short in his place, second base is still wide open. This could be Arroyo’s best chance to prove that he can be a viable starter at the major league level.

Boston Red Sox could be Christian Arroyo’s last chance to be more than a utility option

There was a time when Arroyo was considered one of the better prospects in the game. He was a top 100 prospect according to MLB.com from 2016 through 2018 and was the centerpiece of the deal that sent Evan Longoria to the Giants. He never lived up to expectations with the Rays, spending a year and a half in their organization before being sent to the Guardians for a minor league outfielder and international bonus money. Arroyo made just one major league appearance for Cleveland before being claimed off of waivers by the Red Sox.

He has performed relatively well in a utility role in Boston. Arroyo has produced a .273/.320/.427 batting line in his 535 plate appearances for the Red Sox, hitting 15 homers and 29 doubles. While he may not walk much, with just 25 walks, he has made plenty of contact as he has struck out only 104 times. As his average exit velocity and hard hit rate are approximately at league average, that contact has not been completely empty.

Arroyo has also been earning the Red Sox trust with his solid performance at the plate and ability to play multiple positions. His 300 plate appearances last season were easily the most of his time in the majors. As he was above average at the plate, he earned those opportunities.

Likewise, he has earned the opportunity to show that he can be an every day player in the majors. Arroyo will turn 28 years old during the 2023 season and could be a late bloomer, developing into a solid major league regular. He just needs the chance to prove himself in such a role. That opportunity could be ready for the taking.

Christian Arroyo is the current favorite to take over as the Boston Red Sox primary second baseman. He just needs to seize the opportunity.