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3 players the Boston Red Sox shouldn’t bring back for 2022 season

By Sean Penney

FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom of the Boston Red Sox addresses the media during a press conference during a spring training team workout on February 21, 2021 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom of the Boston Red Sox addresses the media during a press conference during a spring training team workout on February 21, 2021 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox Eduardo Rodriguez
Oct 11, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning during game four of the 2021 ALDS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Not every member of the Red Sox will be back for the 2022 season

The Boston Red Sox exceeded expectations in 2021, proving themselves far more competitive than many gave them credit for by advancing all the way to the ALCS. In order to take the next step toward championship glory, this roster will require a few upgrades. Any new addition will inevitably mean someone else loses their spot which means there are at least a few players who won’t be returning next season.

The Red Sox have several players hitting free agency. Boston’s front office will certainly show interest in retaining some of them but the decision could be made for them if the players seek greener pastures elsewhere.

Eduardo Rodriguez is among the prominent players entering free agency. The lefty struggled with consistency as he worked his way back from a lost season. At one point he appeared to be a qualifying offer candidate, allowing him to prove himself on a one-year deal before testing free agency after next season. His second half improvement and strong postseason probably sets E-Rod up for a bigger payday though. His value has declined sharply since his breakout 2019 season but he still possesses that enticing upside. As long as he isn’t demanding to be paid like an emerging ace, I expect the Red Sox to work out a fair deal to retain him.

I’m less optimistic about a few other potential free agents. For various reasons, these players seem destined to be playing elsewhere in 2022.

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