Esteban Quiroz, a second baseman from Mexico, signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox along with an invitation to the major league camp.
The 25-year-old left handed hitter had a successful career in the Mexican League. This season, he hit .293 with 11 homers, 23 doubles, 49 RBIs and a .428 on-base percentage for Leones de Yucatan.
Last spring, Quiroz hit two home runs during Team Mexico’s brief appearance in the World Baseball Classic.
Quiroz will add depth to Boston’s lacking infield. He has played second base, shortstop, and third base, as well as right and center field earlier in his career.
Considering Dustin Perdroia will likely be sidelined until at least May due to knee injury, the Sox need a short term replacement to fill his role. According to President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, Quiroz likely will not be this replacement.
“[We] would consider him more depth at this time,” Dombrowski said in an email.
Boston’s other options at second base include Brock Holt, Deven Marrero, Marco Hernandez, Tzu-Wei Lin.
Red Sox Add Three to 40-Man Roster
The Sox added three pitchers to complete their 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft: Chandler Shepherd, Ty Buttrey and Jalen Beeks.
Shepherd is a 25-year-old right handed reliever. This season in Triple-A he pitched 68 strikeouts and 18 walks.
Buttrey, also a right handed reliever, played the majority of this year in Double-A, along with 10 games in Triple-A. His fastball— known to reach up to triple digits— is what he is most known for.
Beeks is a 24-year-old left handed starter. This season as part of Pawtucket’s rotation, he posted a 3.86 ERA in 17 starts.
