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

The Red Sox have some big contracts expiring after this season

We’re now almost a week into 2022, and we’re nowhere closer to getting the baseball train back on the tracks. The owners and MLBPA have yet to meet up and don’t seem too worried about getting together anytime soon. It’s cold, the sun sets at what feels like noon every day, and we have no hope. But never fear Red Sox Nation, there’s always something to talk about in regards to our beloved team.

While I’ve put much of my focus this offseason on what could happen in the upcoming season I think we should also look to the horizon beyond 2022. The Red Sox have plenty of free agents hitting the market after this season with a few of their biggest weapons being on that list. A defensive wizard, a slugger, a fireballer, a charismatic reliever, and the heart of the team.

No, it’s not a new rendition of the Breakfast Club, but the list of who won’t be wearing a Red Sox uniform in 2023. So, with that all being said, let’s take a look at who I believe won’t be returning to Fenway Park after the 2022 season.

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.

Red Sox OF: Jackie Bradley Jr.

I think we can all agree on this one. I doubt I was the only one shocked when the news alert popped up on my phone that Jackie Bradley Jr. was making his way back to the Red Sox. On the surface, it’s a baffling deal but it feels like one of those Chaim specials. We had to give up Hunter Renfroe, which I hate, but we did receive prospects back in the deal with JBJ which is why Bloom did it.

We took on more money but in doing so brought back one of the best defensive players in the league and probably the best defensive centerfielder in franchise history. Alongside Jackie, Boston received Alex Binelas and David Hamilton from the Brewers. The prospects are currently ranked 18th and 26th in the Red Sox system respectively by Sox Prospects.

It’s been said a million times already but I’ll say it again here, Jackie isn’t paid for what he does in the batter’s box. His defensive abilities are why he’ll always get attention from teams in need of an outfielder. I’m glad to see him back with the club but there’s not a chance that Bloom hands him a new contract once he hits free agency next winter.

Red Sox C: Kevin Plawecki

This is one that I was going back and forth with as Kevin Plawecki in his two years in Boston has been a massive plus in the clubhouse. The tricky situation in regards to Plawecki’s future is the fact that Christian Vázquez will also be a free agent next winter as well. The Plaw Dawg will likely never be a #1 catcher for the Red Sox but with Connor Wong and Ronald Hernández knocking on the door, he could be a good veteran leader.

Plawecki is the type of guy that any club should want to have on their roster as he has zero ego, gives his all, and will keep the good times rolling. Those are obviously not as important as what he can do on the field but it still needs to be taken into account. But, if you do want to go over his stats in Boston I’ll gladly share those numbers with you, friend.

In 88 games played with the Red Sox, Big Kev is crushing to the tune of .305/.364/.414 with four homers and 23 RBI, per Fangraphs. I’ll happily take that from my backup catcher any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Hell, let’s not forget that it was Plawecki that brought us “Dancing on my Own,” AND the home run cart! This man is a damn Red Sox legend and should be treated as such. If 2022 is his final season in Boston it was one hell of a run.

Red Sox SP: Nathan Eovaldi

Nathan Eovaldi has been a massive success with the Red Sox, something that I think none of us expected back when he came over in 2018. As we’re making our way to spring training, the fireballer from Texas has been the rock of the starting rotation the last two seasons. He earned his stripes in the ’18 Postseason but would run into injury setbacks in 2019.

COVID ruled the 2020 season but it was Evo that stepped up huge for Boston as the team would be without Chris Sale, Eduardo Rodriguez, and David Price. He would follow that effort up by having the best year of his career in 2021 that saw him finish fourth in the AL Cy Young voting. I also tagged him with the task of a ‘Bold Prediction’ to win the award in 2022.

At the time of his extension, it felt like way too much money for a guy that has never seen any real success and had two Tommy John’s under his belt. Somehow he’s turned that into one hell of a run, and much like Martinez, he’ll be looking for that one final contract before he rides off into the sun.

Nasty Nate finished 2021 with a 3.75 ERA, an AL-leading 2.79 FIP, and an MLB leading 1.7 BB/9 on his way to his first All-Star selection. He also led the American League with 32 starts through 182.1 innings of work for the Red Sox. I think it’s safe to say he’s more than earned the contract he was given and if 2022 is anything like this past season, then he deserves whatever he earns next.