Red Sox invite outfielder Aneury Tavarez to spring training camp

Outfielder Aneury Tavarez will join the Boston Red Sox in big league camp this spring as a non-roster invitee, giving him a chance to improve his stock.

Add another name to the list of non-roster invitees making an appearance in major league camp for the Boston Red Sox this spring.

The Red Sox have extended a spring training invitation to outfielder Aneury Tavarez, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

Tavarez was actually signed to a minor league deal back in October but the part about seeing him in camp this spring is new.  He’s not the outfielder that fans have been clamoring to see join the team before spring training begins but for now he’ll have to suffice.

Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2010, Tavarez has spent the last seven seasons in the Red Sox organization. He has never been on the major league roster, only making it as far as Triple-A Pawtucket for a 33 game stint last year.

While he struggled at the Triple-A level, hitting .244/.292/.400 in 135 at-bats, Tavarez flashed potential last year at Double-A Portland. He hit .377/.473/.475 with a home run, three doubles and six RBI in 61 at-bats. It didn’t take long for the organization to be convinced he had proven himself at that level, although they soon learned that he may not have been quite ready for the next one.

More from Red Sox News

• Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
• Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
• Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
• Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
• Why Red Sox fans should be rooting for Carlos Correa’s Mets deal to go through

The invitation to camp suggests that the 25-year old will begin next season in Pawtucket, barring an unlikely spring surge that forces his way on to the major league roster. If he thrives down in Pawtucket then there’s a chance the team could call on him to make his big league debut at some point this year if the need to tap into their outfield depth arises.

Tavarez was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in last year’s Rule 5 draft, only to be returned to the Red Sox in early April when the O’s couldn’t find room to squeeze him on their 25-man roster. Baltimore tried to work out a trade that would enable them to keep Tavarez in their minor league system but were unable to come up with an offer that satisfied Boston.

Next: 4 free agent bats Red Sox should avoid

It’s possible that his strong showing in Portland last year further enticed the Orioles or another team who may look to approach the Red Sox about a potential trade for the young outfielder. A hot start to spring training would improve his stock. Bringing Tavarez to camp may be as much about boosting his trade value as it is about bolstering their outfield depth.