Red Sox Reportedly Have ‘Strong Interest’ In Veteran Infielder

The Red Sox seemingly are looking in every direction as they try to regain playoff contender status.

Most of the offseason reporting about Boston has been about the club’s bid for the crown jewel of free agency, Juan Soto, as well as its significant presence in the starting pitching market. But there are other ways the Red Sox can improve this winter, and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale highlighted one potential avenue in a column published Monday.

“The Red Sox also have strong interest in All-Star free-agent shortstop Willy Adames, who is willing to move to third base,” Nightengale wrote.

Boston reportedly has a meeting scheduled with Adames, who would make sense as a hot corner backfill if Alex Cora and company decided to change Rafael Devers’ primary position. The 29-year-old is pretty reliable — he only missed 14 combined games the last two seasons — and has three-plus years of experience in the American League East. Adames also wouldn’t be as expensive as Alex Bregman and wouldn’t require a trade return like Nolan Arenado.

To be clear, the Red Sox’s primary focus should be on starting pitching and they should stay engaged in the Soto sweepstakes until he signs on the dotted line. But signing Adames would be a nice move if he’s still available once the club has addressed its more pressing needs.