Valdez was optioned to Triple-A Worcester by the Red Sox on Tuesday.
Valdez was competing for a utility spot with Boston, but at least to begin the 2023 campaign, the infielder/outfielder will begin the season in the minors. The 24-year-old has struggled in the Grapefruit League with a .695 OPS over 32 plate appearances with just one homer and no steal attempts over 14 games. While he starts the year in Worcester, Valdez will likely be one of the first players called up when Boston needs depth help.
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Red Sox's Enmanuel Valdez: Will play all over infield
Rotowire
Valdez will get reps all over the infield this spring, Red Sox manager Alex Cora told Christopher Smith of MassLive.com on Thursday.
Acquired from the Astros at last year's trade deadline as part of the Christian Vazquez deal, Valdez has some experience in the minors in the corner outfield spots, but it sounds like the Red Sox plan to keep him on the dirt. Cora repeatedly extolled Valdez's virtues as a hitter Thursday while also adding that "we'll try to help him defensively," which gives you an idea how the club views him. His defensive shortcomings aside, Valdez had a .918 OPS with 28 homers and 107 RBI between Double- and Triple-A last season. He's most comfortable at second base and Boston has a clear opening there, so while Valdez might not make the Opening Day roster, he's someone to keep an eye on.
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Red Sox's Enmanuel Valdez: Joins 40-man roster
Rotowire
The Red Sox added Valdez to the 40-man roster Thursday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.
The 23-year-old was slated to become a minor-league free agent due to his service time in the minors, but the move to the 40-man roster will keep him in the organization. Valdez was acquired by the Red Sox from the Astros at the 2022 trade deadline along with Wilyer Abreu in exchange for Christian Vazquez.
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Red Sox's Enmanuel Valdez: Headlines return for Vazquez
Rotowire
The Red Sox acquired Valdez and Wilyer Abreu from the Astros on Monday in exchange for Christian Vazquez, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.
Valdez broke out this season and became one of Houston's top prospects, so he's a nice pickup for Boston. A 23-year-old lefty-hitting infielder, Valdez slashed .327/.410/.606 with 21 home runs in 378 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A. Even if Valdez doesn't debut this season, Boston will need to add him to the 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.
