8 Red Sox File For Free Agency

On the first official day in which players could file for free agency, the Red Sox saw eight of their players head down that road.

The group is headlined by David Ortiz and Jonathan Papelbon and despite rumors of Ben Cherington wanting to resign both of the all-stars, reports have indicated that an offer has not been made to either player.  Because both are a type A free agent, the Red Sox could receive as many as two draft picks if the club offers arbitration to either player, they decline and then sign elsewhere. 

Other players that filed for free agency today include team captain, Jason Varitek, 45 year-old pitcher, Tim Wakefield, Erik Bedard, J.D. Drew, Conor Jackson and Trevor Miller. 

The Red Sox currently have  a team option on relief pitcher Dan Wheeler and have until Monday at 11:59pm to either exercise or decline the option.  Wheeler’s option is worth $3 million for next season. 

It’s a no brainer that J.D. Drew won’t return to Boston and it’s hard to believe that Varitek or Wakefield would be offered a contract from the Sox.  Conor Jackson doesn’t appear to have a home in Beantown either, with Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick appointed to fight it out for the right field job.  Throw in a free agent signing and there isn’t room for Jackson. 

Bedard is a curious case and he could see another one-year deal from Boston sent his way.  He would be a nice option to round out the rotation and if he can stay relatively healthy, the lefty still has a lot to offer as a starter.

There will be much more free agent news to come in the following days so stay tuned.

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