With Jacoby Ellsbury preparing to being his first campaign with the New York Yankees after signing a substantial seven-year deal earlier this offseason, the Boston Red Sox were reportedly interested in bringing aboard an outfielder who could complement Jackie Bradley Jr. in center field. Grady Sizemore could fill that role.
On Wednesday, the Red Sox agreed to a one-year, $750,000 major league deal with the veteran outfielder, according to WEEI.com. Sizemore, who is 31 and spent the first eight seasons of his big league career with the Cleveland Indians, can increase his earnings by reaching incentives tied to plate appearances and days on the Red Sox active roster.
Sizemore was one of the game’s brightest young players from 2005 to 2009, but injuries have derailed his career and he has not played since 2011 due to an array of ailments that have included knee, back and sports hernia procedures.
If Sizemore and Bradley make the Red Sox opening day roster, the club will have three players with plus defensive skills in center field. Shane Victorino, a switch-hitter who is slated to return as the starting right fielder, can also fll a center field role.
