Long shots
These players seem unlikely to be offered arbitration.
Fernando Abad
Projected salary: $2.0 million
Abad was a disaster following the trade that brought him to the Red Sox, posting a 6.39 ERA in 12 2/3 innings. He’s still tough on lefties, but needs to be utilized exclusively in a lefty specialist role. That could leave him on the verge of being squeezed off the roster, making him a poor value. By the end of the season manager John Farrell had lost faith in Abad, who was left off the postseason roster. Look for the Red Sox to seek an upgrade this winter.
Josh Rutledge
Projected salary: $1.0 million
Rutledge appeared in 28 games for the Red Sox, hitting .265 with a .733 OPS. He offers depth as an infielder that can play multiple positions, but his low ceiling makes him expendable.
Bryan Holaday
Projected salary: $900K
The Red Sox picked up Holiday mid-season after he was designated for assignment by the Texas Rangers to provide depth at the injury ravaged catcher position. He failed to impress in limited opportunities, hitting .212 in 14 games. Leon’s breakout year entrenches him as the starter, with Christian Vazquez likely backing him up. Holiday is out of options to be sent to the minors, so without an open roster spot available it’s likely the Red Sox let him go.
Brandon Workman
Projected salary: $600K
The 28-year old hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2014 due to a series of injuries and can’t be counted on to make the roster next year. Given that his projected salary is barely above the league minimum, perhaps the team will take a flier on him by sending him to the minors to serve as depth for their pitching staff, but only if he proves he’s healthy.