Red Sox sign Bianchi and Montz to minor league deals

In addition to the signing of Mitchell Boggs to a minor league deal, the Red Sox announced the signing of two other players to minor league deals with invitations to Spring Training.

Jeff Bianchi was a second round draft choice of the Kansas City Royals in 2005. He saw most of his major league time with Milwaukee in 2013. While only managing a .237/.272/.292 batting line in 100 games mainly at third base, shortstop, and second base, Bianchi was ninth in the National League in Defensive WAR (Wins Against Replacement), second among NL third basemen in Total Zone Runs which calculates a fielder’s value in runs which is remarkable considering he only played 42 games at third base.

Luke Montz, most recently of the Oakland Athletics, is a catcher and first baseman who has spent 12 years in professional baseball. In that time he has managed to accrue 58 days of major league time with the Nationals and Athletics. Montz has hit .238/.335/.439 in 972 minor league games, catching 539 of them. Montz has the unique distinction of playing in two organizations while they changed their names. Originally, drafted in the 17th round by the Montreal Expos in 2003, who then moved and changed their name to the Washington Nationals, where he played until 2009. In 2011, Montz was with the Florida Marlins, who changed their name to the Miami Marlins the next season while Montz was still with them.

While the signings of Bianchi and Montz are unlikely to have the effect of Mitchell Boggs, these experienced journeymen can provide organizational depth. Someone of Montz’ experience behind the plate might be an option at catcher if Dan Butler and Blake Swihart are not able to do the job. Bianchi could step in if the utility role held down by Brock Holt last season needs to be augmented.

Stay tuned to BoSoxInjection.com for all your Red Sox offseason moves as we count down to Truck Day next month.