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The Boston Red Sox signed former Kansas City Royals fourth outfielder Mitch Maier in late October, according to a tweet from Baseball America's Matt Eddy.
A former first-round pick, Maier never put up big numbers with the Royals in in six Major League seasons. In 2010, he hit a career-high .263 with a .706 OPS in 373 at-bats. He also set a career high with 5 homers and 39 RBIs that season. In 2012, Maier saw action in only 32 games, hitting .172/.260/.316 in 64 at-bats.
It's a minor-league deal for Maier with the Red Sox. WEEI's Matt Speier reported the deal includes an invite to big league spring training. Despite a quiet bat, he brings versatility to the outfield, able to play every spot. Boston VP of player personel Allard Baird knows the 30-year-old Maier well, as he was general manager of the Royals when the team drafted the outfielder in 2003.