The Boston Red Sox added a versatile player to their infield earlier this week by signing Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a one-year, $6 million contract.

Kiner-Falefa, who is capable of playing multiple positions, bolstered the Red Sox’s infield while providing defensive coverage for the team.

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Boston still needs had an open spot on the 40-man roster due to the deal with Kiner-Falefa not being made official. Just under a week until pitchers and catchers report to the team’s spring training complex of JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Fla, the Red Sox filled that open spot.

According to a report from Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, Boston claimed shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng off waivers from the Washington Nationals on Friday.

The Red Sox will be Cheng’s fifth team this offseason alone.

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Cheng was designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Dec. 19 and claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Rays on Jan. 7; the Rays DFA’d Cheng on Jan. 12 and he was claimed by the New York Mets on Jan. 16; the Mets DFA’d Cheng on Jan. 21 and claimed by the Nationals on Jan. 28.

Washington DFA’d Cheng just two days after claiming him.

Cheng was originally signed as an international free agent by the Pirates on July 2, 2019. He spent six years in the organization before making his major league debut this past season.

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Cheng received seven at-bats in three games, where he failed to register a hit and struck out three times.

The 24-year-old infielder also struggled in the minor leagues this past season. In 110 games at the Single-A and Triple-A levels, he slashed .207/.305/.267 with a .572 OPS and hit 12 doubles, three triples and a home run with 36 RBIs and stole 20 bases in 28 attempts.

Cheng’s best season as a professional came in 2023 in Pittsburgh’s High-A and Double-A affiliates. He slashed .278/.352/.456 with an .808 OPS and hit 23 doubles, 10 triples and 13 homers with 56 RBIs in 123 games.

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The Red Sox have focused on the infield the entire offseason. They reportedly had interest in bringing back third baseman Alex Bregman and signing shortstop Bo Bichette. Those two players joined the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets, respectively.

Boston wasn’t able to land those players, but it’s made moves to make sure that it has enough depth going into 2026, which was a major position of turmoil in 2025.

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