The Boston Red Sox have strengthened their infield lineup by signing Zack Short from the New York Mets in exchange for cash considerations, filling their 40-man roster.
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- The Red Sox completed their fourth trade of the 2024 season by acquiring infielder Zack Short from the Mets for cash considerations, filling their 40-man roster.
- Zack Short offers versatility in infield positions with a .172 batting average, 13 home runs, and 55 RBIs in 187 MLB games.
- Short is expected to fill a utility role on the Red Sox, especially with players like Trevor Story and Rafael Devers sidelined due to injuries.
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Red Sox Acquire Zack Short, Completing 40-Man Roster
The Boston Red Sox officially acquired infielder Zack Short from the New York Mets on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in exchange for cash considerations.
This transaction marks the fourth deal orchestrated by Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow since the onset of the 2024 season, illustrating a proactive approach to team building.
The deal fills Boston’s 40-man roster, which had an open slot before the acquisition.
Zack Short’s Background and Career Highlights
Zack Short, a 28-year-old infielder, brings a mixed major-league track record to Boston.
Having played in 187 games, Short holds a career batting average of .172, complemented by 13 home runs and 55 RBIs.
Before this trade, his tenure in the major leagues includes playing for the Tigers and briefly for the Mets in 2024.
Known for his defensive versatility, Short can play second base, shortstop, and third base and has also seen limited action in the outfield during his professional career.
Zack Short Steps Up Amid Red Sox Injury Challenges
With significant injuries affecting the Red Sox’s lineup, including shortstop Trevor Story’s season-ending shoulder surgery and third baseman Rafael Devers’ ongoing issues, Short is set to assume a utility role within the team.
His prior performance against southpaws, including a batting average of .273 in 2022 and .236 in 2023, hints at strategic platooning opportunities, particularly with second baseman Enmanuel Valdez, depending on the recovery of Vaughn Grissom from illness.
Personal Connections and Early Impressions
A native of New York, Short played college baseball at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut under the athletic administration of former Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine.
Short recounted a memorable interaction with Valentine, highlighting the personal connections that have spanned his career: “I actually saw him in Los Angeles last year. We were getting ready to take our pregame ground balls and all I heard was ‘Shorty!’ I turned around, and there was Bobby V, smiling ear-to-ear as he always did,” Short shared with Mike Puma of the New York Post earlier in 2024.
Trade Impacts: Mets Free Space, Red Sox Stabilize Infield
The Mets, having designated Short for assignment to make room for J.D. Martinez, benefited from the trade by freeing up roster space and receiving cash in return.
Short’s addition is particularly timely for the Red Sox, who are seeking to stabilize their infield and improve batting and defensive statistics amid ongoing roster challenges.
