Rangers Expected to Sign Former Red Sox Catcher

Just one day after being released by the Boston Red Sox, it looks like Kevin Plawecki has already found a new team.

The 31-year-old catcher, who was released by the Red Sox on Monday, is expected to sign with the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, according to sources.

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Plawecki was let go by Boston after struggling at the plate this year, batting just .217/.287/.287 with 1 home run and 12 RBIs in 60 games. With Plawecki headed for free agency this winter, he did not fit into the team's long-term plans, especially with rookie catcher Connor Wong needing more at-bats.

While Plawecki has never been much of the hitter, he still had value to the Red Sox as Christian Vazquez's backup (before he was traded this summer) and Nate Eovaldi's personal catcher. As such, the move by the Rangers to add Plawecki seems to signal a potential push for Eovaldi as well, who will also be a free agent this winter.

With both Boston and Texas out of the playoff race, this move won't move the needle much for the rest of the year. It could end up having significant ramifications, however, if it helps lure Eovaldi back to his home state. The native Texan has been one of the better pitchers in the American League over the past few years, going 20-14 with a 3.87 ERA and a 9.3 K/9 in 59 starts since the beginning of 2020.

The Rangers need starting pitching, so they're expected to be one of the top potential landing spots for Eovaldi this offseason. Having his favorite catcher on the roster could help them seal the deal.