Sep 24, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder
Daniel Nava(29) at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel Nava
Today is Nava’s birthday. Congratulate the switch-hitting lefty. Unfortunately, the 32-year-old will need to be told that he will not be starting any time soon, at least not for the Red Sox.
Nava hit .270, with a .346 OBP and a .361, in 363 at-bats. He struck out less than Holt, with 81 whiffs to 33 walks, but Nava also had 74 less plate appearances. That with the fact that Nava only received money for one more year with the Red Sox, at $1.85 million, does not bode well for him being in Boston’s long term plans. Especially not with younger players like Betts, Castillo, and Holt filling starting positions and the depth chart.
However, the money also suggests that the Red Sox brass like Nava’s skills and felt he was worth another look. That could spell either Nava lasting on the active roster for the entire season or, eventually, being traded. With the younger stars still having options to be sent down to the minors, Nava could be the man doing the utility role, depending on if he proves to be the hot hand in spring training.