Former Red Sox player Eduardo Nunez isn’t out of reach

Boston Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski has been pursuing J.D. Martinez, but former infielder Eduardo Nunez could be a more realistic option.

The Boston Red Sox have been a staple of the rumor mill this offseason. They’re known to be interested in free agent slugger J.D. Martinez, but they don’t need to outbid themselves. Super agent Scott Boras is in a stare down with Boston, but it seems the team isn’t budging. This offseason has been one of the slowest ever, and players seemingly want way too much. Owners don’t feel like paying a boatload for a player on the wrong side of 30.

That has been a crucial reason why no one is signing. It’s pretty bad when 44-year-old Bartolo Colon signs before Jake Arrieta. The Red Sox still need another bat, especially with Dustin Pedroia out to start the season. The team is going to have to allocate funds for Mookie Betts and the young core. This doesn’t even count extending Chris Sale and Drew Pomeranz. This is the Boston Red Sox, but they still need to be smart with spending.

With that said, an affordable option could be former infielder Eduardo Nunez. Here is what Chad Jennings of the Boston Herald wrote on the situation:

"Marco Hernandez has been singled out as a favorite, but Brock Holt, Deven Marrero and Tzu-Wei Lin certainly are in that mix. It’s also worth noting that veteran Eduardo Nunez still is available on the free agent market, and he hasn’t lost contact with the Red Sox."

So there’s some hope on that front. None of those guys could replace the production of Pedroia. But, Eduardo Nunez would be a welcome addition in the field and with the bat. The infielder had a nice year in 2017, hitting .313 with 12 home runs and 58 RBI. He was doing well until his injury in the ALDS vs. the Astros. With that said, the Red Sox should definitely swoop in and sign Nunez. He’s certainly not going to cost half as much as Martinez and provides more versatility.

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It sounds like it wouldn’t be difficult to get something done. I’m sure new manager Alex Cora would love him as a super utility player. The club is waiting for the market to speed up, if that’s even possible. So, the Boston Red Sox would be wise in signing their former player, as Nunez would be a great insurance policy for the upcoming season.