Red Sox Reportedly Sign Utilityman With Unique Skill Set

The Boston Red Sox reportedly made not one, but two interesting minor league signings Wednesday.

According to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi, the Red Sox signed utilityman Nate Eaton to a minor league contract. Morosi noted Eaton also earned an invite to big-league camp in the spring and will earn $780,000 if he is moved onto Boston’s 40-man roster. The Red Sox also inked catcher Seby Zavala to a minor league deal earlier in the day.

Eaton had interest from teams in Japan and Korea as well as minor-league offers from almost a dozen MLB teams, but ultimately decided to join the Red Sox, per Morosi.

Eaton and Zavala both have major league experience under their belt. Eaton played in 72 games from the Royals over two seasons from 2022-23. He batted just .201 with one home runs, 13 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Eaton played exclusively with Triple-A Omaha in 2024, where he hit .252 with 30 doubles, 16 home runs, 60 RBIs and 27 steals.

The 27-year-old, who was selected by the Royals out of Virginia Military Institute in the 21st round of the 2018 MLB Draft, can play second, third and all three outfield positions. He can pitch in a pinch, too. Eaton drew attention when he threw an inning of scoreless relief for the Royals in mop-up duty in 2023 and had his fastball hitting in the mid-90s on the radar gun.

Eaton will provide the Red Sox with a depth piece they can turn to if they get hit with the injury bug yet again during the 2025 season.