Red Sox

The Florida Marlins are big on players who outperform their contract, which is why outfielder Jeremy Hermida is bound for Boston. The Red Sox acquired the former first-round draft choice Thursday for left-handers Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez. Hermida was the 11th overall pick in 2002 but has yet to fulfill his projected potential. He was among Florida’s best-paid players this year at $2.25 million but hit only .259 with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs in 129 games.

“When you acquire a player, sometimes you acquire them because you think there’s a chance that with a change of scenery they’ll reach their potential,” Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said. “Things never really came together for him in the big leagues. That’s not uncommon for young players. He’s about to turn 26, coming into his prime.’’...

Pitcher John Lackey and outfielder Matt Holliday were among 79 players who filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. Red Sox outfielder Jason Bay, first baseman Carlos Delgado, pitcher John Smoltz and reliever Billy Wagner also filed as did pitcher Jon Garland after the Los Angeles Dodgers declined his $10 million option. He will receive a $2.5 million buyout. Instead of becoming a free agent again, outfielder Bobby Abreu agreed to a $19 million, two-year contract to stay with the Angels. Approximately 100 more players are potentially eligible to file by the Nov. 19 deadline.