Alex Cora Acknowledges Red Sox’s Second Base ‘Puzzle’ Incomplete

The Boston Red Sox have some holes to fill this offseason, and among the biggest is second base.

It’s not that the Red Sox don’t have options. They just have question marks.

Banking on Dustin Pedroia is equal parts poor planning and unlikely. Christian Arroyo, for now, technically is atop the depth chart, but his sample size in Boston is minimal. After that, it’s Michael Chavis, but he’s been hot and cold in the big leagues.

So, it’s not surprising the Red Sox are linked in speculation to players like Kolten Wong. They can survive at the position, but it could be both stabilized and upgraded.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora basically admitted as much Thursday during a video conference with reporters.

“As far as second base, I do believe Christian played pretty solid towards the end of the season last year,” Cora said. “He’s a kid that has a lot of upside … and he had a chance to go out there and compete last year.

“Michael is another guy, he can play second base. We’re still working — one of the things you’re going to hear it today and you’re going to hear it probably the rest of the offseason: This puzzle is not completed. There’s a few pieces that we’re missing or we’re looking for, and the opportunity will be there.”

Boston has some prospects that might get a look, such as Jonathan Arauz and C.J. Chatham (though both are natural shortstops). But again, counting on them to be anything resembling an everyday second baseman is unlikely at this juncture.