Jul 8, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Koji Uehara (19) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
#2 – Koji Uehara
I will be the first to say that I love Koji Uehara and what he has brought to Red Sox Nation these last few years, however, father time catches up with all of us and when its time to go you listen to him.
There is no arguing that since Koji became the Red Sox full time closer he has been one of the most consistent in the league. In his 3 seasons with the Red Sox he has a 2.00 era with 225 strike outs and 70 saves.
The one downfall on him and the reason why the sox should have traded him is just simply his age. He is going to be 41 years old and he is still under contract for just over 9 million. The Red Sox can’t be planning to have Koji in their future plans can they? Koji could have joined a contending team and really strengthened the back end of their bullpen; at the same time the Red Sox could have gotten a young arm or two to add and help their rebuilding process.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Red Sox explore a trade for Koji in the winter if he does decide to keep playing. At this point the sox need to go younger, not keep older veterans who will just put a dent in the teams wallet.
Next: Mike Napoli
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