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Red Sox: Five players that won’t have their contracts renewed after 2022

By Brendan Mizgala

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 20: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox returns to the dugout during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on September 20, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 20: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox returns to the dugout during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on September 20, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox RP Hirokazu Sawamura
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 18: Hirokazu Sawamura#19 and Christian Vazquez #7 of the Boston Red Sox shake hands after they beat the Houston Astros in Game Three of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park on October 18, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

Red Sox RP: Hirokazu Sawamura

Hirozaku Sawamura had a rollercoaster first year for the Red Sox but at the end of the day, he was a guy that I’d trust far more than others in the bullpen. The Japanese star at times was one of Alex Cora’s most trusted guys and at others, the skipper wouldn’t waste a second in yanking him from the game if necessary.

The right-hander finished his debut campaign with a 3.05 ERA through 55 appearances and 53.0 innings of work. His outings weren’t always the prettiest as his 1.453 WHIP and 1.91 K/BB would prove. When he was on he was damn eclectic but if he was having trouble finding the zone you better believe he was going to give plenty of free passes.

While Big Kaz has a club option for the 2023 season, I just don’t see Chaim Bloom picking it up. If the righty is more consistent in 2022 that could all change but based on what we saw in 2021, I think next season will be his final in Boston. Obviously, as I just said that can all change based on performance but with other options on the board heading into 2023, I think Sawamura’s days are numbered.

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