The Boston Red Sox roster has changed a lot since last season. Players have come and gone — some were fan favorites and others overstayed their welcome.
How much better or worse the Red Sox have gotten this offseason is up for debate. So are fans’ opinions of certain players. Boston has made many swaps that cannot be properly projected at this point, meaning the front office didn't even bother to unquestionably replace some of the players it lost.
The Sox lost some popular guys and some that fans will be glad to see in a different uniform this coming season. A few of Boston's losses were necessary while a few could have been prevented with a bit more effort from the front office.
Ownership's direction has influenced so much (more so in a negative manner). The front office changes came rather late, right up against the official end of the season. The emergence of top prospects and other players returning from injury impacted some decisions.
But how will the fans respond?
3 Red Sox players we’ll be glad are gone in 2024 and 2 we wish stayed
Red Sox player fans are glad to see leave: Chris Sale
The Red Sox were finally able to unload Chris Sale this offseason and, despite his pedigree, his departure will probably benefit the team. Red Sox Nation has polarizing opinions of Sale — he’s an elite pitcher with swing-and-miss stuff who helped Boston win a championship, but his constant injuries from 2019-2023 soured everything.
After committing to a five-year extension with Sale worth a whopping $145 million, his injury woes took over. Between 2020 and 2022, Sale made 11 appearances. His 2023 season was also marred by injury after he experienced shoulder discomfort that sent him to the injured list from the beginning of June to mid-August.
Sale can’t be blamed for his injuries and he’s undeniably a great pitcher when he’s fully heathy, but Boston was paying him way too much for him to never be able to play. The Sox will fare better with Vaughn Grissom -- the prospect who came in return from the Braves.