Luis Alejandro Basabe

Luis Alejandro Basabe (born August 26, 1996) is a Venezuelan professional baseball second baseman who is a free agent.

Career Boston Red Sox In 2012, the Boston Red Sox made a pair of international signings that were unusual. The team signed identical twins from Venezuela, both named Luis Basabe, both switch-hitters who throw right-handed, both were around the same size and weight, and each of whom signed for a $450,000 bonus when they turned 16 on August 26. Relatively new to baseball, the Basabe twins started to play the game a short time before signing, as they spent most of their childhood playing soccer. He also has shown better ability to manipulate the bat head than his brother, Luis Alexander, a speedy center fielder with a strong arm who has raw power and potential to add strength. Basabe was selected as utility infielder for the Southern Division team at the South Atlantic League All-Star Game.

Arizona Diamondbacks On July 9, 2016, the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired Basabe and right-handed pitcher Jose Almonte from the Red Sox in exchange for relief pitcher Brad Ziegler. Basabe was assigned to the D-Backs’ farm team, the Kane County Cougars, and he finished the season there. In 109 total games between Greenville and Kane County, Basabe batted .272 with seven home runs and 38 RBI. He returned to Kane County in 2017 and played in 53 games, batting .229, with two home runs, and seven RBI. He missed the last three months of the season due to a knee injury that ultimately required surgery.

In 2018, Basabe split time between Kane County and the Visalia Rawhide, batting .249 with two home runs and 22 RBI in 90 games between the two clubs. He spent 2019 with Visalia, slashing .293/.402/.390 with four home runs, 51 RBI, and 16 stolen bases over 117 games. Basabe did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Basabe spent the 2021 campaign with the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles, playing in 83 games and hitting .226/.299/.396 with 10 home runs, 32 RBI, and seven stolen bases. Basabe elected free agency following the season on November 7, 2021.

Personal life Two of Basabe's cousins (Osleivis Basabe and Luis Matos) currently play in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays and San Francisco Giants, respectively.