Boston Red Sox payroll situation heading into pivotal offseason
By Jacob Anes
Position players:
Mitch Moreland: free agent
Steve Pearce: free agent
Dustin Pedroia: signed through 2021 (owed $13 million next year)
Brock Holt: free agent
Sam Travis: under control through 2024 (team control)
Rafael Devers: under contract through 2023 (team control)
Marco Hernandez: under control through 2022 (arbitration)
Michael Chavis: under control through 2024 (team control)
Xander Bogaerts: signed through 2026 (owed $20 million next year)
Mookie Betts: under control through 2020 (arbitration)
Jackie Bradley Jr.: under control through 2020 (arbitration)
Christian Vazquez: signed through 2022 (owed $2.8 million next year)
J.D Martinez: player option, if accepted will be owed $23 million
This is where the Red Sox will have to make the most difficult decisions regarding the teams future. Likely one, if not both of Martinez and Betts will get traded this offseason (Martinez opting out would simplify this).
With how thin the Red Sox farm system is and the uncertainty surrounding Betts’ looming free agency, they may move Betts to replenish the farm system and make sure they get something for him.
Another possible piece could be JBJ. He made around $8.5 million this year and it might make sense to bring in someone cheaper who nearly matches his production. It seems unlikely that Holt, Moreland or Pearce return. Holt has put together consecutive strong seasons and his versatility will likely be getting him a sizable contract. Moreland had a solid year but a Travis/Ockimey platoon is much cheaper and likely offers similar production. The Red Sox also will likely move on from Sandy Leon to bring in someone cheaper. He will likely make around $3 million next year.
dark. Next. Red Sox need to build around Bogaerts
It has been great watching this group on offense the last few years but unfortunately it is a business and sometimes sacrifices must be made.