Red Sox Rumors: Triston Casas trade, Alex Verdugo extension, shortstop answer

Red Sox Rumors: Jose Iglesias could return to Boston to help at shortstop

Shortstop, to put it mildly, has been an issue for the Boston Red Sox this season.

With Xander Bogaerts leaving in free agency, the initial plan was to move Trevor Story to the other side of second base this year. Instead, Story has been on the IL since the spring and, though his return is nearing closer, he’s still not back yet.

In the interim, we’ve seen Kiké Hernandez fail quite spectacularly there with his defense while a rotating cast of Pablo Reyes, Enmanuel Valdez and others have produced middling results. Now, with Reyes likely hitting the IL, they are left with even fewer options, particularly with Alex Cora confirming that Hernandez won’t be lining up there any time soon… if ever again.

So what can the Red Sox do then? How about bringing back a familiar presence in the clubhouse: Jose Iglesias.

Iglesias opted out of his minor-league deal with the Padres on Tuesday after posting an .893 OPS in Triple-A El Paso this season. Now a free agent, the 33-year-old is looking for a new home and the Red Sox, the organization that drafted him and had him on the roster just a couple of years ago, could bring him home.

No one would mistake Iglesias as a long-term option for Boston, but he doesn’t need to be. He can serve as the starter with solid defense and decent back until Story can return. Then, if he’s played well, there would be the option to retain him as a utility man in the infield. In any case, though, bringing Iglesias back to the Red Sox would be a great way to solidify the position as the club is starting to make a bit of a run.