For the second time Wednesday, the Red Sox have reportedly signed a player with some big league experience to a minor league deal. Boston is in agreement on a non-roster contract with former Royals utility man Nate Eaton, according to MLB. com’s Jon Morosi.
The deal includes an invite to major league camp and guarantees $780,000 if Eaton reaches the majors. Eaton, 28 in December, is the second non-roster add of the day for the Red Sox, who also finalized a contract with journeyman catcher Seby Zavala. BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
Eaton debuted two years ago and appeared in 72 games for Kansas City in 2022 and 2023 before spending the entirety of last season at Triple-A Omaha. The former 21st-round pick is a career . 201 hitter with just one big league homer on his resumé; he hit just .
075 (4-for-53) in 28 games at Triple-A. In 2024, after clearing waivers and being jettisoned off the Royals’ 40-man roster, he hit . 252 with 16 homers, 30 doubles, 60 RBIs and a .
738 OPS in 116 games at Triple-A. Eaton is known for his versatility and speed, as he was 27-for-31 on steal attempts last year and has appeared at four different positions (all three outfield spots and third base) in the majors. He mainly played third base (42 games) in Omaha while seeing significant time in left field (32 games) and also sprinkling in at second base, center field and right field.
In 2022, when he made 44 major league appearances, Eaton ranked in the 100th percentile in arm strength with an average throw of 98. 1 mph. His sprint speed ranked in the 97th percentile, per Statcast, at 29.
6 mph. There’s no clear path to a big league roster spot for Eaton, a right-handed hitter, because Rafael Devers is entrenched at third base and Boston has a crowded outfield mix at this early stage of the winter. But he has enough unique traits to make him an interesting depth option who will almost certainly begin the year at Triple-A Worcester.
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