Red Sox Will Pursue Torii Hunter This Offseason

According to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com, the Red Sox are interested in the services of free agent outfielder Torii Hunter. With potential vacancies in right and left field, the Red Sox will need to act fast on the free agent and trade markets and signing Hunter would be a good first step. Although Hunter will be 37 years old to start the 2013 season, he’s shown that he can still hit. Last season with the Angels, he batted .313/.365/.451 with 16 home runs and 92 RBIs in 140 games as the team’s starting right fielder.

Sept. 18, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Torii Hunter (48) singles in a run in the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Hunter would be a great addition to an ailing Red Sox team, as he’s a fan favorite and great clubhouse player who could restore a fun-loving attitude to the clubhouse. Along with his intangibles, experience, and offensive capability, he can still play good defense at his age. Hunter put up 13.0 WAR in right field last season, a very respectable number. Although his speed is not as impressive as it once was, he still has a good arm and would create an exceptional right-center duo between him and Jacoby Ellsbury.

Considering Hunter’s age, he probably wouldn’t demand a huge contract. His option, which the Angels declined, was worth $18 million over this season but he’d likely have to take a large cut from that. Still, Hunter would be well worth a contract for two years at around $15 million.

It’s good that some rumors have surfaced on the Red Sox, as I was suffering from baseball withdrawal, and that those rumors are about a move I’d certainly make. Hunter is a potential Hall of Famer with career numbers of .277/.335/.466, 4 All-Star appearances, and 9 Gold Gloves. Not only would he be a solid contributor to the middle of the lineup, but he’s a great guy. I’d be delighted if the Red Sox were able to sign Hunter, and it wouldn’t even take a ton of cash.