Even after trading Yoenis Cespedes, the Boston Red Sox still have a logjam in their outfield, which is guaranteed to affect the playing time of some talented individuals. To help solve the issue they might be moving one of those outfielders to third base.
Allen Craig is that player. According to Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe, the team has spoken to the veteran about playing some third base in spring training, but want to see his swing "back in form." Craig is no stranger to the position, having played 246 out of his 496 career minor league games there, but Pablo Sandoval currently occupies that post on the roster.
The potential move to make Craig more versatile likely won't give him much more playing time with Boston, which leads many to believe that the team is trying to improve his trade value so they can get him off their hands.
"[Manager John] Farrell said he has spoken to Craig about playing third base in spring training to increase his versatility," writes Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald. "But his best value to the Red Sox might still be in a trade, especially if he's able to prove during spring training that he's healthy."
Boston was shopping Craig earlier in the offseason, but there wasn't a booming market for him because he witnessed a steep decline in his offensive production. In 2013 he slashed .315/.373/.457 with 71 runs scored, 13 home runs and 97 RBIs compared to 2014 when he batted just .215/.279/.315 with 41 runs scored, eight home runs and 46 RBIs in 126 games with the Cardinals and Red Sox. The decline is likely attributed to a Lisfranc injury to his left foot that he suffered in September of 2013.
Whatever the case, Craig is owed $26.5 million over the next three seasons and the Red Sox need to either find a way to utilize him or trade him, but the latter seems to be the more likely option. The outfield is jam-packed with solid players, including Hanley Ramirez, Rusney Castillo, Mookie Betts, Shane Victorino, Daniel Nava and others. And there's no way they'll be platooning Sandoval and Craig at third base, especially since they have Brock Holt and Garin Cecchini as options there too.
If Craig shows the ability to play third effectively and manages to get back his swing of old, the Red Sox will certainly have an easier sell if they but him on the trading block. That will add another position to his resume, which already boasts significant time in all of the outfield positions as well as first base.
Some teams are still in pursuit of an outfielder, and one that can play a couple of positions in the infield would be of even greater value.
