The Boston Red Sox have reached an agreement with free-agent first baseman Lyle Overbay on a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to spring training. The deal includes a clause that allows Overbay to opt out if he doesn’t make the major league roster out of spring training. Overbay hit .292/.367/.448 (115 OPS+) with 11 extra-base hits in 45 games for Arizona last season. Overbay finished the season with the Atlanta Braves and played 20 games, hitting .100/.143/.150.
The Red Sox have been looking for a left-handed hitting first baseman and Overbay should have a good chance to make the major league roster. Overbay would serve primarily as a backup to Mike Napoli who reached a one-year agreement with the team earlier this month. Because of a hip condition (avascular necrosis) Napoli may require extra rest, more so than the typical first baseman. Mauro Gomez is currently listed as the backup first baseman.
Despite signing Overbay, the Red Sox are expected to continue to seek other lefty-hitting first base solutions throughout spring training according to Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald. The Red Sox could have interest in Mike Carp, a 26-year-old left-handed hitting first baseman/left fielder with the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners are reportedly looking for left-handed pitching, primarily a reliever in return.
