The enduring rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees remains a fixture in baseball, providing fans with thrilling and contentious games. A significant contributor to the historic animosity is former Yankee Alex Rodriguez, whose confrontations with the Red Sox, notably the brawl with Jason Varitek, linger in the memories of Red Sox Nation.
In a surprising twist, a member of A-Rod’s family, specifically his nephew, could potentially find favor among Boston fans. As revealed in the Red Sox minor league transaction log, Boston has signed infielder Joe Dunand to a minor league deal, officially putting him in the Red Sox organization as of January 31.
Dunand, a 28-year-old infielder, made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2022, registering a brief stint with a 3-for-10 performance, including a home run. His 2023 season was spent in the Atlanta Braves system, where he posted a .268 average with 17 home runs while playing with the Gwinnett Stripers, Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate.
Now officially a part of the Red Sox, Joe Dunand, the nephew of former Yankee Alex Rodriguez, has been assigned to Worcester, likely spending most of the 2024 season in Triple-A. While he provides an infield option for Boston in case of injuries or other circumstances, there is a desire to see improvements in his walk rate and a reduction in strikeouts before a potential call-up. Dunand’s encouraging .843 OPS in 2023 highlights his ability to drive the ball.
The irony of Rodriguez’s connection to the Red Sox, dating back to a near-trade in 2004, is not lost on fans. The deal was thwarted by MLBPA concerns about contract changes and lower salary for A-Rod, ultimately leading him to join the Yankees and become a longtime antagonist to Red Sox fans. As Joe Dunand enters the Red Sox organization, there is a blend of curiosity and hope among fans, unsure whether he will become a celebrated part of Boston’s lineup or perpetuate the complex legacy associated with the Rodriguez name.
