Whereas the Purple Sox had been operating over all the American League on their technique to their fourth World Sequence of the century, Nate Eaton was being drafted by the Kansas Metropolis Royals. Taken within the twenty first spherical, Eaton would spend six years with the group and put up a .201/.266/.283 line in elements of two main league seasons. Which isn’t nice. However he had some success in Triple-A so it wasn’t like all hope was misplaced, as he slashed .269/.334/.462. When he signed as a free agent in November 2024, it wasn’t a giant transfer by any respect. In his Meet the New Guy write up, our personal Dean Roussel in contrast him to the immortal Bobby Dalbec as a veteran bat who might fill house in Worcester, most likely with some minor league highlights.
Nate Eaton’s expectations had been most likely modest. What might the group have thought? Nicely, he can play outfield and third base. He can pitch as a place participant and never fully embarrass himself with mid-90s stuff. And within the huge leagues this yr, when Boston was determined for our bodies he slashed .296/.348/.383 over 41 video games. He hit one homer, stole 9 bases, drew six walks, and doubled 4 instances. He made the playoff roster and received two hits towards the Yankees within the Wild Card Sequence! Certain his 2025 ended with 0.1 bWAR, however this isn’t a roster spot you’re anticipating a lot from and simply being value optimistic WAR at a time when your staff is digging into minor league veteran depth is fairly good.
And that residence/away cut up? With 20 video games in Fenway and 21 away: .368/.400/.474 vs .233/.306/.302. The title isn’t solely a pun.
I’m going to exit on a limb right here and say there was no dangerous, besides that Nate Eaton wanted for use in any respect due to holes on the foremost league roster. The Royals didn’t even use him on the main league degree in 2024. This was totally home cash and when Breslow wager huge (small) he took the home. This was a season made totally of upside and what: good for him!
September 26 towards the Detroit Tigers. The Purple Sox had been down 3-2 within the eighth inning and Carlos Narváez leads off the inning with a single to left area. Enter Nate Eaton as a pinch runner. Jarren Duran steps to the plate. Nate shortly steals second. The throw is airmailed into middle area and as a heads-up runner he advances to 3rd. Now Duran singles and in he runs. Sport tied.
Can he do it once more? There’s a variety of “quad A” in Eaton’s observe report. He held his personal within the minors whereas being overmatched within the majors. However this yr was completely different. He carried it over in a small pattern measurement. He can do two issues properly: run and play the outfield. Does that earn him a serious league job? One other minor league deal?
Nate Eaton signed as a non-roster invitee on a minor league deal. I’m certain that Alex Cora would like to hold him round as that twenty sixth man, notably given the uncertainties present round third base and shortstop — even when each Alex Bregman and Trevor Story return, Eaton is another choice on the sizzling nook in a pinch. Eaton confirmed how vital his velocity might be, and there may simply be a contender who sees his 2025 as a enterprise they need to be in. Worst case state of affairs for him now: he most likely sees the majors wherever he lands for 2026 as a result of the Triple-A numbers are strong and he made just a few spotlight reels.
