Allen Craig’s role with the Boston Red Sox is undefined at the moment. Thus, it appears teams are inquiring about the outfielder/first baseman.
The Red Sox are receiving “lots of calls” about Craig, according to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick. Crasnick adds that nothing is brewing right now, but Craig has been the subject of trade speculation throughout this offseason.
The Red Sox acquired Craig and pitcher Joe Kelly from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitcher John Lackey and minor league hurler Corey Littrell at this year’s Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline. Boston’s hope was that Craig would return to his 2013 All-Star form, but the 30-year-old struggled down the stretch.
Craig hit .128 (12-for-94) with one homer, two RBIs, 36 strikeouts and a .425 OPS in 29 games with the Red Sox. He hit .215 with eight homers, 46 RBIs, 113 strikeouts and a .594 OPS in 126 games split between Boston and St. Louis.
Craig has a track record of major league success, so he’s certainly a bounce-back candidate going into 2015, though he’s likely in line for a backup role if he remains with the Red Sox. Craig hit .315 with 13 homers, 97 RBIs and an .830 OPS in 134 games in 2013. He hit .307 with 22 homers, 92 RBIs and an .876 OPS in 119 games in 2012.
The Red Sox currently have a surplus of outfielders, even after trading Yoenis Cespedes to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for pitcher Rick Porcello. Craig, Hanley Ramirez, Rusney Castillo, Mookie Betts, Shane Victorino, Daniel Nava and Jackie Bradley Jr. figure to fit into the equation in some capacity, though additional moves could be made.
Craig, who has dealt with foot issues the last two seasons, is owed $25.5 million over the next three seasons. The Red Sox hold a $13 million club option for 2018 that comes with a $1 million buyout.
Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images
