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The Boston Red Sox are interested in acquiring free-agent outfielder Torii Hunter, according to a report by Rob Bradford of WEEI.com.
Citing baseball sources, Bradford states that the club has expressed interest in Hunter and may be looking to find a way to bring the 37-year-old outfielder to Boston. Hunter has made it known in the past that he is open to playing for the Red Sox and explicitly stated in August that he would be interested in being part of any team that had David Ortiz.
Hunter and Ortiz are close friends, even acting as roommates when the two played for the Minnesota Twins. Hunter described Ortiz as a brother as well as his best friend in baseball. Upon hearing that the slugger may sign with the Texas Rangers, Hunter contacted Ortiz because his decision could alter his interests in potential teams, namely the Red Sox.
Hunter is coming off a five-year, $90 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. He made $18 million last season and managed to hit 16 home runs with a .313 batting average and .817 OPS in 140 games.