Red Sox Got a Complete Steal in Yairo Muñoz After He Went AWOL From Cardinals
By Jerry Trotta
The St. Louis Cardinals really had no choice but to release utility weapon Yairo Muñoz when he abruptly deserted the club at Spring Training without any warning.
St. Louis only found out about Muñoz’s departure from an anonymous teammate who was informed of his plans. By that time, however, it was too late. The 25-year-old bolted for his native Dominican Republic, and was reported to be disgruntled with having to earn a spot on manager Mike Shildt’s everyday lineup card.
Well, Muñoz is back in the news after reportedly agreeing to a deal with the Boston Red Sox, who truly made out like bandits by landing his signature.
Red Sox option Colten Brewer, Chris Mazza, Matt Hall and Jeffrey Springs to the minors.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) March 26, 2020
Yairo Munoz officially added as a non-roster invitee.
The Red Sox added Muñoz as a non-roster invitee in a string of moves that included several minor league demotions.
Assuming that Munoz has put all this behind him -- the jury is still out on that considering he went AWOL from the Cardinals just a few weeks back -- Boston got an absolute steal here.
The third-year pro is invaluable in terms of his versatility. He is comfortable playing both the middle infield and outfield. Munoz isn't too shabby with the bat, either. Over the last two campaigns, the promising youngster slashed .273/.331/.391 with 10 home runs, 55 RBI, 59 runs scored, and 127 hits across 465 at-bats.
Red Sox announce they've added infielder/outfielder Yairo Muñoz as a non-roster invitee to spring training.
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) March 26, 2020
They've also optioned RHPs Colten Brewer and Chris Mazza and LHPs Matt Hall and Jeffrey Springs to the minors.
He’ll have to earn his spot on the Opening Day roster, but if a move away from St. Louis was all that Muñoz needed to wise up, the Red Sox will undoubtedly reap the benefits in due time.