Sox tender contract to Nava; Francisco non-tendered

BOSTON -- Daniel Nava remains in contention for a spot in a crowded Red Sox outfield. This after the club announced it has tendered 2015 contracts to 28 of its 29 unsigned players.

The only player who was non-tendered? Infielder Juan Francisco, who was designated for assignment last week to make room on the roster for Hanley Ramirez.

Francisco's stint in Boston's organization was rather brief, as the Sox claimed him off waivers from the Blue Jays on Nov. 19, and he stayed on the 40-man roster for just six days.

Video: Red Sox claim Francisco off waivers from Blue Jays

Nava is one of two key players who is arbitration-eligible after being tendered a contract. The other is righty reliever Junichi Tazawa.

After playing a fairly regular role for the Red Sox against right-handed pitchers the last two seasons, it remains to be seen what Nava's role will be going forward.

The Sox have a logjam in the outfield that also includes Yoenis Cespedes, Ramirez, Mookie Betts, Rusney Castillo, Jackie Bradley Jr., Allen Craig and Brock Holt.

In other words, Nava could still be traded this offseason.

Nava has been with the Red Sox organization since they spent $1 to purchase his rights from the independent Chico Outlaws in 2008.

An unheralded prospect, Nava got a surprise callup to the Major Leagues on June 12, 2010. That day, he made Major League history, becoming just the second player to hit a grand slam on the first pitch of his career.

Nava has played in 395 games for the Red Sox, hitting .273 with a .362/.398/.760 slash line.

Tazawa is expected to again be a key setup man in front of closer Koji Uehara.

Boston's 40-man roster is currently full.