Kyle Schwarber Could Play First Base for the Boston Red Sox

Kyle Schwarber Might Play First Base

Outfielder Kyle Schwarber was the big 2021 MLB Trade Deadline pickup for the Boston Red Sox. Boston needed a left-handed power bat in the lineup, and Schwarber certainly fits that need. For the Nationals this season, the slugger hit 25 home runs and posted a .910 OPS. Back in June, he tied the modern MLB record with 12 home runs in a 10-game span.

The on-field fit for Boston is more of a question. Schwarber played left field for the Nats this season, but the Red Sox already have Alex Verdugo and J.D. Martinez to fill that position. Red Sox General Manager Chaim Bloom revealed that Schwarber will likely see some time at first base.

Chaim Bloom Believes In Kyle Schwarber

In a perfect world, we would’ve been able to get someone with Kyle’s impact who also has a lot of first base experience. He doesn’t. We are going to take a look at him over there. He’s excited to do it. This is someone I would not bet against to really do anything that he sets his mind to on a baseball field. This is a guy who blew out his knee and hit .400 in the World Series in the same year. So, I wouldn’t bet against him.

Red Sox GM Chaim Bloom, via NESN

Schwarber’s time at first base will be an attempt by the Red Sox to replace a struggling Bobby Dalbec. Dalbec has a good deal of power in his bat, but he is only hitting .215, strikes out a ton, and has a -1.2 bWAR this season, among the worst in MLB.

When Schwarber comes back from the IL in August after recovering from a hamstring injury, Sox fans can expect him to play first base. He is clearly a versatile player, having broken into the big leagues as a catcher with the Chicago Cubs.

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