Red Sox decline option for left-handed reliever
The Red Sox made another move on Saturday night declining the 2024 option for left-handed reliever Joely Rodríguez, the team announced.
Boston declined their $4.25 million club option on the southpaw and opted to pay him a $500,000 buyout instead.
Rodríguez becomes the sixth Red Sox player to become a free agent this offseason.
The 31-year-old’s only season in Boston was a dud. Chaim Bloom signed Rodríguez last winter prior to Thanksgiving with the hopes of adding a viable left-handed option to the bullpen.
Health was a major issue for Rodríguez all season. He suffered an oblique strain during an outing in spring training then didn’t debut until May 17.
Once he returned, he was lambasted for eight earned runs in four innings over five games in May. He landed back on the injured list again with shoulder inflammation at the beginning of June.
Rodríguez returned before the All-Star break and started to pitch well, striking out nine batters in seven shutout innings in six games. In late July, the injury bug crept back up on the lefty and he went down with a hip injury, which ended his season.
Overall, Rodríguez pitched 11 innings and posted a 6.55 ERA with the Red Sox. The decision to not pick up his option was easy for new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.
The Red Sox should be in the market for another left-hander this winter. Josh Hader is the cream of the crop in free agency, but he’s highly unlikely that the Red Sox will pursue the closer. Matt Moore, Aroldis Chapman, Wandy Peralta, Brent Suter, Amir Garrett and Rangers’ World Series champion Will Smith are legit veteran options for Alex Cora’s bullpen next season.
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