Red Sox Utility Man ‘Most Intriguing Option’ For Call-Up?

With many Boston Red Sox fans calling for a Kristian Campbell call-up, there might be a better immediate option for Boston.

Like Campbell, utility man Nate Eaton has been raking with Triple-A Worcester Red Sox. However, Eaton provides more defensive versatility and experience than Campbell.

The Red Sox called Eaton up earlier in the year during Alex Bregman’s absence. In 14 games for Boston this season, Eaton has a .250/ .296/ .333/ .629 slash line with three stolen bases.

After Eaton hit a three-run jack on Thursday night, Beyond the Monster’s Andrew Park reminded everyone of Eaton’s recent production and made an interesting suggestion.

“Nate Eaton has a hit in 20 of his last 24 games (31-for-90, .344) with 5 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 21 RBI, and 18 runs scored for Worcester,” Parker posted to x.

“Factor in his speed and defensive ability to play anywhere, he looks like the most intriguing option for a September call-up for the Red Sox.”

Eaton was 2-for-3 on Thursday with four RBIs, bringing his batting average up to .288 at Triple-A this year.

Originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals in round No. 21 of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft, Eaton played in 72 MLB games for Kansas City across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He put up decent numbers in 2022 for the Royals: .264/ .331/ .387/ .718 with 12 RBIs and 11 stolen bases in 44 games (106 at-bats).

While he tends to strike out in bunches at the big-league level, Eaton’s defensive talent is undeniable, and when he does make contact, he crushes the ball.

The Red Sox have some pivotal roster decisions to make down the stretch, and Eaton is someone to keep monitoring in August and early September.