The Boston Red Sox have found themselves in need of a temporary replacement for star shortstop Trevor Story, who recently underwent elbow surgery and has been given no timetable for a return.
The loss of Xander Bogaerts also complicates matters.
But there are options out there for the Red Sox to consider.
One such option is Nick Ahmed of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The 32-year-old is from Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Connecticut.
MLB Analyst Peter Gammons suggested that Ahmed could be a fit for the Red Sox, taking note of his Massachusetts connection and the fact that Boston’s hitting coach, Peter Fatse, is also a product of UConn.
One suggestion for the Red Sox:Nick Ahmed. Yeah, check his shoulder, but he’s tough, totally professional, UConn sidekick of Sox hitting coach Peter Fatse.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) January 10, 2023
Ahmed hit .231 with three home runs and 17 RBI in just 17 games with the Diamondbacks in 2022, missing most of the season thanks to a shoulder injury.
But if he can remain healthy, he could be a good short-term solution for the Red Sox.
Ahmed’s best season came in 2019, when he hit .254 with 19 home runs and 82 RBI.
He can also provide some solid defense, having previously won two Gold Gloves.
His bat isn’t quite on the same level as Story’s, but he does have some power and could potentially help the Red Sox at the plate as well.
His UConn connection with Fatse also serves him well.
Ahmed was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2011 MLB draft and made his debut with Arizona in 2014.
The Red Sox could also explore the free agent market as they look for short-term solutions at the shortstop position
NEXT: Red Sox Fans Are Really Missing Xander Bogaerts