Here’s what Eduardo Nunez brings to the Red Sox
In a deal that was announced late Tuesday night, the Red Sox and Giants agreed to a trade that would send infielder Eduardo Nunez to Boston and minor league pitchers Shaun Anderson and Gregory Santo to San Francisco.
Thanks Nunez! pic.twitter.com/N6f2eVHPlZ
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) July 26, 2017
Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said he’s hoping Nunez will contribute some much needed offensive production—an area where the team has been struggling.
Here’s what else the team is getting in the 6-foot, 195-pound infielder:
A former New York Yankee
Nunez made his MLB debut in the Bronx on August 19, 2010. He would go on to play four seasons with the Yankees before getting traded to the Minnesota Twins, where he would stay for nearly three years before getting traded to the Giants.
A hot hitter
, Nunez is on track to have one of his most successful seasons at the plate. Through 76 games, he has four home runs, 21 doubles, 31 RBI, and 93 hits.
“He’s a good offensive player who is swinging the bat very well,” Dombrowski said, via The Boston Globe. “This is another bat which would help give us some offense, which we need at this time.”
Among individuals that have logged 100 plate appearances since June 1, Nunez will be coming to the Boston as the player with the fourth-best batting average.
Eduardo Núñez is hitting .358 since June 1st, 4th-best in the majors among players with 100 plate appearances.https://t.co/lV9kfcWlfS
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 26, 2017
An above-average base runner
San Francisco’s team leader in stolen bases, Nunez showcased his speed by swiping 18 bags in 23 attempts (and by sprinting out of helmet on multiple occasions). He stole a total of 40 bases last season, which was good enough for fifth-best in the league.
“A single can be a double with him,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, via the SF Examiner. “Sometimes, he doesn’t go when the pitcher doesn’t give him a chance. So he doesn’t force the issue too often either, but he’s fearless. He will go when they know he’s going and he’s not afraid to go.”
“He’s not just quick, but he’s a smart base runner, too.”
One of his more memorable outings on the diamond was a lead-off inside-the-park home run while with the Twins. According to MLB Statcast, it took him 15.23 seconds to round the bases, and his max speed clocked in at 19.8 mph
A versatile player
Dombrowski praised the 30-year-old’s adaptability, for he “can play a lot of different positions,” including shortstop, third base, and left field. Bochy confirmed that Nunez can, in fact, play “anywhere.”
“He’s very talented, and that’s why a lot of clubs wanted him,” Bochy said, via ESPN. “He can run, he’s a good hitter, he can play anywhere. I’m going to miss him because this guy was exciting. He’s got a chance to get to the postseason, so I’m happy for him. He’ll help that ballclub.”
Red Sox legend Pedro Martinez chimed in, saying that the 6-foot, 195-pound infielder plays “amazing defense in whatever position he is placed.”
Eduardo Nuñez plays amazing defense in whatever position he is placed. Red Sox are getting a great guy and player
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) July 26, 2017
A playmaker with great potential
With a negative defensive-runs-saved total for each of the five positions he’s played, Nunez’s less-than-superb statistics have led some to question his abilities as a fielder. However, the 2016 All-Star also had his fair share of show-stopping grabs with the Giants, including a leaping catch in May.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCkhp-BpbKo
