5 Red Sox non-tender candidates with uncertain futures

Yu Chang

Yu Chang played for four organizations this season, which could be viewed as an endorsement of what he brings to the table. He also didn’t stick with any of the first three teams, and might not stick in Boston.

Chang did well when the Sox claimed him off waivers towards the end of the season, they just shouldn’t have room for him if their infield is healthy and they do what they need to do this offseason: pay Devers and Xander Bogaerts. Still, Chang costs next to nothing – his projected arbitration salary is barely above league minimum – and offers a lot of defensive depth. He’s exactly the kind of player a Tampa Bay Rays guy like Chaim Bloom keeps around.

Franchy Cordero

Franchy Cordero thrives in Triple-A Worcester but hasn’t been able to make it work consistently at the big-league level. He’s had some incredible moments, like his walk-off grand slam this year, but on the whole, it’s unclear if he’ll ever be a truly dependable everyday player.

Heading into his second year of arbitration, it’s not so much about how much Cordero will cost the Sox, but whether or not his affordability balances out the roster spot he occupies.

Thankfully, the Andrew Benintendi trade still isn’t a complete wash if the Sox end up non-tendering Cordero; Josh Winckowski showed promise in his debut season.