Role
Nate Eaton is the 40-man player the Red Sox call when they need legs or a glove. He shuttled between Worcester and Boston all season and played 24 games for the Red Sox, starting in all three outfield spots. In September, with Rafaela and Eli White hurt, he played center against lefties. He played once in the Wild Card Series and went 1-for-2.
Outlook
The bat didn't play in Boston: .160/.300/.260 in 60 plate appearances. At Worcester he hit .253/.338/.410 with 9 homers and 18 steals in 84 games. The tools are real. His sprint speed ranked in the 96th percentile and his arm strength in the 97th, according to Statcast. He'll turn 30 in December.
Our take: Eaton won't start, and he'll keep his spot anyway. Teams need someone who can pinch-run and cover center field for a week when the starter is hurt, and he did that job well in September. He'll be back in it.