FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The more things change for these Red Sox, the more they may be remaining the same.
The Red Sox seem to be close to signing another free agent from their 2017 club, this time making progress toward agreeing to terms with infielder Eduardo Nunez on a one-year deal with an option for a second. Ian Browne of MLB.com was first to report the sides were close. While multiple outlets have reported that Nunez has agreed to terms on the deal, as of early Thursday night sources insist that such finality should be deemed premature.
According to sources, part of the delay is to ensure that Nunez's knee, which forced him out of the lineup for much of the season's final month, is in good shape. The infielder did not need surgery after shutting his season down following Game 1 of the American League Division Series.
To begin the season, Nunez would most likely be the primary replacement at second base for Dustin Pedroia while he recovers from knee surgery. Barring another move -- which could be coming -- Nunez could rotate in at various spots in the Red Sox' batting order, including designated hitter.
Nunez is clearly a victim of the stagnant free agent market, having, according to sources, come into the offseason looking for a deal upwards of three years. The 30-year-old had a career year while splitting 2017 between the Giants and Red Sox, hitting a combined .313 with an .801 OPS. He also made a positive mark on the Sox' clubhouse after being dealt to Boston just prior to the non-waiver trade deadline.
[UPDATE 10 a.m.]: Nunez is in Fort Myers as of Thursday night and likely will undergo a physcial Friday.
