Free-agent utility man Nate Eaton signed a minor-league deal with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday that includes an invitation to major-league spring training, according to a source. If Eaton joins the 40-man roster, the MLB side of his contract is worth $780,000. He will turn 28 years old in December and played in a total of 72 games with the Kansas City Royals in 2022 and 2023, slashing just .201/.266/.283 with a weak .549 OPS, a homer, 13 RBI, 14 steals and 18 runs scored in 178 trips to the plate. The 27-year-old will most likely start the 2025 season at Triple-A Worcester. The former 21st-round pick in 2018 out of Virginia Military Institute played in 116 games at Triple-A Omaha in 2024 and hit .252 (108-for-428) with 16 home runs, 60 RBI and 27 stolen bases. If he returns to the majors in 2025, it will likely be in a bench role.
Kansas City Royals outfielder Nate Eaton was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday. The 26-year-old was recently designated for assignment by the organization, but cleared waivers and returns to the Royals. Eaton went 4-for-53 at the plate with two walks and 21 strikeouts over 28 games with the Royals this season. Eaton has struggled during both stints with the team over the last two seasons. He has hit well during his time in the minors, but hasn't put it together at the big league level. He will now be removed from the 40-man roster and optioned to the minors.
The Kansas City Royals designated outfielder Nate Eaton for assignment on Thursday and also reinstated eight players from the 60-day injured list now that the World Series has concluded. In his second major-league season in 2023, Eaton went 4-for-53 (.075) with an RBI, three stolen bases and two runs scored in 28 games played. In his two years with the Royals, the 26-year-old outfielder has hit just .201 (32-for-159) with a home run, four doubles, three triples, 13 RBI, 14 stolen bases and 18 runs scored in 72 total games.
Nate Eaton
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Red Sox
