Furcal told ESPNDeportes.com that the Red Sox are among the teams that have expressed interest in him in free agency. The Marlins, Mets, Pirates, Nationals, Rockies and others have shown interest as well, according to the veteran shortstop.
Furcal missed all of the 2013 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He’s working toward a return, though, and the 36-year-old’s resume makes him an interesting option for a team — like the Red Sox — that is looking for infield help.
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said last week that he is looking to add an infielder for 2014. The GM said that he’s unsure of what capacity that infielder will serve in, but that he’d at least like to add a backup who is capable of playing the left side of the infield. The Red Sox currently have Xander Bogaerts and Will Middlebrooks penciled into shortstop and third base, respectively, if Stephen Drew signs elsewhere in free agency.
It’s unclear what kind of contract Furcal will command on the open market. He hasn’t played since 2012, during which he earned this third career All-Star selection, and injury concerns could ultimately force teams to shy away from too large of a commitment. Furcal reportedly said that he’d like to play for a contender that is capable of maximizing his playing time.
Furcal hit .264 with five homers, 49 RBIs, 12 steals and a .325 on-base percentage with the Cardinals in 2012. The 13-year veteran, who is a career .281 hitter, is known mostly for his rocket arm.
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