Boston Red Sox sign Team Italy’s John Andreoli to minor league contract with invitation to Spring Training

Team Italy’s John Andreoli will report to Fort Myers, Florida for Boston Red Sox Spring Training on February 17, 2020 for the first full-team workout along with fellow outfielders Andrew Benintendi, Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez, and Jackie Bradley Jr. It is likely the speedy 29-year-old will begin the 2020 season at Triple-A affiliate Pawtucket Red Sox in April. Last year in Triple-A ball, John Andreoli hit .255 with 16 home runs while splitting his time between the Rochester Red Wings (Minnesota Twins) and the Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners)

After making his MLB debut for the Seattle Mariners on May 23, 2018, the Baltimore Orioles claimed John Andreoli off waivers on August 18, 2018. He went on to play 23 games in the Orioles outfield and hit .230 in 56 plate appearances. John Andreoli was reclaimed by the Seattle Mariners on October 31, 2018. He was a hot item on the waiver wire during the offseason as he was claimed by the Texas Rangers on January 15, 2019 and claimed again by the San Francisco Giants on February 1, 2019. While playing for the San Francisco Giants during 2019 Cactus League Spring Training, John Andreoli appeared in nine games and went 2-for-8 with two RBI and three walks. He was traded to the Minnesota Twins on March 23, 2019 and later traded to the Seattle Mariners on June 2, 2019.

John Andreoli played for Team Italy in the 2019 European Baseball Championship and in the Europe-Africa Olympic Qualifier. He made his Azzurri debut in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Forza #Italia!

 by Roberto Angotti