Skip to content

Report: Red Sox, Angels, Mariners checked in on Duda

Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Lucas Duda's short stint in the American League could turn into a longer one.

The 31-year-old free agent, who spent his entire career in the National League before a July trade brought him to the Tampa Bay Rays, appears to have caught the eye of three American League teams in need of first base help.

The Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Seattle Mariners have checked in on Duda, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

With Mitch Moreland also hitting free agency, Boston projects to use Hanley Ramirez or Sam Travis at first, while the Mariners are in need with Yonder Alonso also hitting the open market.

The Angels have C.J. Cron slated to start at first next year, but he's never made more than 116 appearances for L.A. during a single season.

Duda, a powerful slugger who has hit 138 career home runs, posted an .818 OPS in 127 games last season, but only hit for a .175 average with the Rays.

He could provide a club with a cost-effective option at first base, however, as MLB Trade Rumors projects he'll secure a one-year deal worth $6 million in free agency.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox