Three-time All-Star center fielder Grady Sizemore will get his first shot to play in the MLB since the 2011 season with the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox agreed on a contract with the 31-year-old former Cleveland Indians standout on Wednesday, Jan. 22:
The deal is heavy on incentives in the event that the acquisition doesn't work out, per WEEI.com's Rob Bradford:
This agreement comes not long at all after the Cincinnati Reds ended their pursuit of Sizemore, who was in talks to join the Reds as a potential backup center fielder, per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon.
In Boston, Sizemore must prove he is somewhat capable of being the player he once was. Injuries derailed his promising career, with microfracture surgeries on both knees holding back his unique athleticism on the basepaths and in the outfield.
CBSsports.com's Mike Axisa reports that Sizemore has undergone seven surgeries since 2009 alone, and notes that the hobbled veteran is likely to back up promising prospect Jackie Bradley Jr.
With Jacoby Ellsbury having left this offseason as a free agent to sign with the American League East archrival New York Yankees, it makes sense that the Red Sox sought depth and insurance at center field.
Even before the signing of Sizemore, manager John Farrell expressed optimism for the 2014 season with the players at his disposal, per the team's official Twitter account:
Sizemore enjoyed a flourishing peak as a member of the Indians from 2006 to 2008. In that span, he was selected to the All-Star team each year and won two Gold Glove Awards.
He led the American League in runs scored (134) and doubles (53) in the first season of that stretch, and posted career-best totals in home runs (33), RBI (90) and stolen bases (38) in 2008—joining the prestigious 30-30 club.
If he is anywhere near the all-around force he once was, Sizemore's addition to the Red Sox could be a big score for all involved.
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