MLB Roundup 1/11: The infield market gets moving

An old friend that came up with the Red Sox at the start of this decade is still plugging away in the majors, and he just agreed to a two-year deal to come back east for the first time since being traded from the Red Sox. Jed Lowrie, who has spent the last seven years in Oakland and Houston, is heading to New York after agreeing to a two-year deal worth $20 million with the Mets. For the Mets, they get a veteran infielder who has hit very well in each of the last two years who also has a strong reputation in the clubhouse. Defensively, he can play first, second and third and will likely roam around for the Mets. With a crowded infield this move was a little confusing, but they are adding good players. As for the Red Sox, there was some hope Boston would target players like this given the question marks around Dustin Pedroia’s health, but it was always unlikely. There are only so many roster spots, and if you truly believe in Pedroia’s knee — and the Red Sox seem to — you just don’t have the room for a player on a major-league deal. That is, unless you’re willing to release Eduardo Núñez, but there’s nothing to give the impression that the Red Sox are willing to do so.

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