The Red Sox have a lot of players set to hit free agency
The Red Sox have 11 players set to hit free agency this winter, and they can’t and should not keep all of them. But for every player they let go, they’ll have to find a replacement, and ideally an upgrade.
These are their free agents:
SS José Iglesias
DH J.D. Martinez (opt-out)
RHP Adam Ottavino
LHP Martín Pérez (club option)
RHP Garrett Richards (club option)
RHP Hansel Robles
LHP Eduardo Rodriguez
OF Danny Santana
OF Kyle Schwarber (mutual option)
1B Travis Shaw
C Christian Vázquez (club option)
Martinez, Schwarber, and Vázquez should all be kept, if possible. Rodriguez struggled after missing 2020 due to COVID and resulting viral myocarditis, but he showed flashes of his former self throughout the regular and postseason. With his poor numbers, the Red Sox could likely bring him back for an affordable price.
Iglesias only rejoined the team in early September but made an immediate and crucial impact. It’s a shame he wasn’t eligible for the postseason roster, but if they bring him back on a short-term deal, he could finally play for the Sox in October.
None of the other pitchers were crucial to the team’s success. The argument could be made for Richards remaining in the bullpen, but not for the $10 million his option commands.