Red Sox Memories: What happened to these four former players?
By Rick McNair
Justin Masterson
In 2008, right-hander Justin Masterson came on the scene with little fanfare but much promise. A player I remember watching when he pitched for the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod League. With Boston, Masterson performed a dual role as a starter and out of the bullpen and continued into that slot in 2008 before being traded to Cleveland for Victor Martinez.
More from Red Sox History
- Two notable Red Sox anniversaries highlight current organizational failures
- Contemporary Era Committee doesn’t elect any former Red Sox to Hall of Fame
- Johnny Damon calls Red Sox out, reveals hilarious way he skirted Yankees’ grooming policy
- Remembering the best Red Sox Thanksgiving ever
- Red Sox World Series legends headline 2023 Hall of Fame ballot
Masterson’s Cleveland stay was highlighted by a 2013 All-Star season (14-10, 3.45 ERA) before the bottom fell out for a promising career. In 2014, contractual issues and a series of injuries and downgraded performances culminated in another trade with Masterson going to the Cardinals.
Masterson returned to Boston as a free agent in 2015 (4-2, 5.61 ERA) only to be released in mid-August. That started an attempt at resurrecting his career with the Pirates and Dodgers before retiring in 2018. Retirement just segued into phase two of Masterson’s life and that is giving back.
Masterson is a Christian and with former Red Sox batting coach Chili Davis shares the distinction of the only two MLB players born in Jamaica. With Masterson, it was the result of his father being a dean of students at a Theological Seminary. Those roots have blossomed today with several non-profits including Not For Sale that Masterson is involved with along with his former business partner and Masterson’s wife.