The Red Sox announced Monday that they’ve designated infielder Eduardo Nunez for assignment and optioned right-hander Hector Velazquez to Triple-A Pawtucket. In a pair of corresponding moves, right-hander Ryan Weber and first baseman/outfielder Sam Travis were called up from Triple-A.
Now 32 years of age, Nunez proved to be an excellent pickup for Boston when the Sox acquired him from the Giants prior to the 2017 non-waiver trade deadline. He gave the lineup a strong jolt that season, hitting .321/.353/.539 through 173 plate appearances down the stretch before his season came to a close with an ALDS knee injury that saw him helped off the field. Nunez re-signed with the Sox for a two-year guarantee, the second season of which was a player option, and simply has not been the same player.
In 676 plate appearances for the Sox over the past two seasons, Nunez has scuffled to a dismal .255/.277/.366 batting line with a dozen homers and steals apiece. His struggles and Dustin Pedroia’s career-altering knee injury prompted the Red Sox to also trade for Ian Kinsler last summer in a move that now looks quite lopsided. Boston won last year’s World Series, so the end result of all their moves was as good as can be hoped, of course; but Kinsler didn’t hit much with Boston, and the Sox would surely like to have righty Ty Buttrey in their bullpen this season following his breakout with the Halos.
The Red Sox will have a week to trade Nunez, pass him through outright waivers or release him. He has enough service time to reject an outright assignment and retain his salary even in the event that he clears waivers, so this seems likely to spell the end of his time with the organization. Nunez is still owed about $2.07MM of this season’s $5MM salary, making it a near certainty that he won’t be claimed. In all likelihood, he’ll soon become a free agent and be granted the ability to explore opportunities with other clubs.
The former catalyst falls short.
He’s going to get claimed by the White Sox or Tigers
This is DD telling Al Avila he will trade Casas for Shane Greene if the Tigers take that cap space off his hands and pay for Greene the rest of the year.
And Ive seen him trade a recent first round pick to the Reds to meet a fifth starter need when he was with the Tigers just like everyone else.
Draft picks can’t not be traded in baseball.
DD sucks but he’s not trading Casas for Shane flipping Greene
Should have many takers with Boston willing to pay the freight. Expect a trade for a minor leaguer or perhaps an equally overpriced reliever with an expiring contract.
no one wants this bum. he’s a terrible fielder, and a horrible hitter.
Last year he came up big with that pinch hit HR in the WS. In 2017 when the team got him, he was the spark they needed. Some team will take a shot. If not, maybe he’ll accept a minor league slot with Boston. Doubt he’ll need to though since the cost will be minimal if he’s released.
Horrible yeah, he just won game one of the World Series last year.
Finally
Couldn’t agree more! See ya Numez.
Nunez to Cubs or Phils?
who is Nunez an upgrade on for the Phillies? Maybe Rodriguez? we can do better then Nunez.
Dark side, are you a player for the Phils? No? Then it’s not “we”. It’s they*.
insert eyeroll.
My drummer used to make that argument. Enough said.
Then your band must suck
Nunez was a fantastic player for a couple yrs n deserves all the best n I hope he makes more magic.
Lolwut?
…. just another $$$$ to the trash by the RSx…
Couple million bucks. Big money to you and I, but to a franchise worth $2B+??? Mere peanuts.
Was he not part of a championship team?
Not only was Nunez a part of a Championship team, but he hit a 3-Run homer in Game 1 of the WS to win it. The Sox did fine with him.
Troll. Clearly a great pick up in 17 but got hurt at the wrong time. Even last year he came up big in the playoffs in limited opportunities. With three Hernandez, Holt and of course Devers hitting it became a numbers game. Chavis stays and the team just felt that Travis is more needed. Expect Chavis to return to third with Travis at first on days when both are in the lineup.
I don’t think they move him back to 3rd right away, not until he gets a bit older at least.
My initial hopes when he 1st started playing 2nd was Danny Uggla type, that is no range to his left and average to his right, but most have to admit who have watched him play the position he’s got decent range to his right and about average range to his left even, along with smooth hands and a good arm for 2nd. Done better at the position than history has shown him at 3rd, where he’d get his feet tied up on occasion.
Devers has only made 4-5 errors believe it was since early May after making think was 8 previously. Story was on The Athletic.. week-2 ago? He’s looked better at 3rd and Dever’s arm is stronger than is that of Chavis. Make for a nice, controllable long term power asset covering 2 bases.
Agreed Johnsilver. I meant Chavis to play third when Devers has a day off. Holt can also play it but I like him at second.
If Nunez doesn’t hit well then he’s a useless player. His defense and base running are atrocious.
Edward scissor hands will always be remembered
Stone hands.
I can already picture Eric sogard to Boston
Why? With Brock Holt, Marco Hernandez, and Tzu-Wei Lin already on the team, utility infielder is one area they have covered. Especially since at some point, Mitch Moreland might return and push Michael Chavis back to 2b…
Can’t believe he’s been around so long he’s been terrible almost every year
Twins Bench
That ship sailed years ago. I always liked him, but the Twins have enough utility infielders right now. I do hope Edward hooks on with someone, though, and gets another MLB position.
He was a huge spark when first traded to the RS… but his spot is better served by other players at this time.
He’s a good team guy.. Best of luck..
He might be picked up by the Rays if nobody claims him
Any news on Pedroia? Im sure he doesn’t want to give up the millions he’s owed but wonder if the Sox can cut him a deal , save some $$, and make him another special assistant to DD like Pedro and Varitek.
Unless he retires, I don’t think there is a deal to be made, the player today and would never let him alter his contract, But I agree if he wants to he can be a coach or advisor in the future
***players union, sry***
Nooooooooooooo, not Nunez!
I don’t think there will be a trade. I think release and signing is the most likely outcome
If the D backs trade for or sign him I’ll not be surprised. As we all know Morero and Swihart were disposed of right in OUR lap.
Ah….no thanks.
Rivera42….. Would you prefer Sale or Betts? Funny dude!
It would be nice if the Minnesota Twins could find room for their former All-Star, Eduardo Nunez, for their World Series run, but the roster is pretty full. Still, you can NEVER have too many Eddies!
Just as a side note…Sam Travis is awful. Does he know where Dombrowski hid the body? Get him off the 40 man.
I agree. Travis is trash. Maybe they are showcasing him as a throw in as part of a trade for a reliever. With both Devers and Chavis already on the team and Dalbec waiting in the wings in Portland, Boston has their corner infield positions covered for the next 3-5 years. What they really need is an everyday stud 2nd baseman. While Chavis has played the position, he has limited range there and will be exposed if he plays 2nd for a full season.
Dodgers need a replacement for Taylor?But I don’t think he’s a Dodger type player,not enough OBP or Contact
I just think Red Sox will trade for a big bat 1B that can hit lefties Bell perhaps. Maybe Pearce will be released as well.
I don’t think this shocks anyone. Nuñez had a nice hot streak and contributed to a ring. I think in the end both sides are content