Red Sox Watch Bobby Abreu Workout in Venezuela

MLB News

Abreu has never played first base in his 17 year major league career

The Boston Red Sox have been looking for a left-handed hitter off the bench to play first base and the outfield, and apparently have taken their search global.

According to  Alex Speier of WEEI the team held a workout for free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu in Venezuela.

The Red Sox’s outfield is crowded with Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino, Jonny Gomes, Daniel Nava and Ryan Kalish the likely five to make the opening day roster, and Abreu is considered by most a below average outfielder.

Abreu has never played first base in his 17 year career but the Red Sox had Abreu go through drills at first base.

Boston agreed to terms with free agent Mike Napoli  in early December, however, the team reportedly has concerns with the health status of Naopli and his contract status with the team is in limbo.

Any deal with Abreu would likely be a minor-league deal.

Abreu turns 39 in March and is coming off a season in which he hit .242 with a .693 OPS for the Angels and Dodgers over 100 games and 257 plate appearances.

It is unlikely that the team will sign the veteran outfielder.