FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The Red Sox have agreed to a one-year deal with super-utility man Eduardo Nunez, pending a physical, a source told MLB.com on Thursday.The completion of the physical is no small thing, considering Nunez finished last season with a PCL sprain of his right knee.The Red Sox, sticking with team policy for uncompleted free-agent negotiations, have not confirmed the deal. FanRag Sports reported that the contract would include a club option for 2019.
Nunez would give the Red Sox an early-season replacement at second base for Dustin Pedroia, who is expected to miss the first few weeks of the regular season following left knee surgery.Nunez was a strong fit on the field and in the clubhouse for the Red Sox down the stretch last season after they acquired the right-handed hitter in a trade with the Giants.The acquisition of Nunez would be the second of this offseason for the Red Sox. The club re-signed first baseman Mitch Moreland in December. Boston still has interest in signing free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez and made him a five-year offer worth at least $100 million earlier in the winter.If Nunez rejoins the Red Sox, he would bring value -- even after Pedroia returns -- as someone who can also play shortstop and third base, and even corner outfield if necessary.The Yankees and the Rays were among the clubs who have negotiated with Nunez, according to a report by MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal earlier this month.In 38 games for Boston last season, Nunez thrived, slashing .321/.353/.539 with eight homers and 27 RBIs.The only thing that derailed Nunez with the Red Sox was the knee injury that he initially suffered on Sept. 9. He re-injured it in comeback attempts on Sept. 25 at Fenway Park and again in Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Astros.The 30-year-old did not need surgery, and his knee healed over the winter.Nunez would also offer the Red Sox speed. He stole 24 bases last season and a career-high 40 in 2016.In 669 career games, Nunez is a .282 hitter with 46 homers, 245 RBIs and 129 stolen bases.Ian Browne/ MLB.com
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