Red Sox release veteran first baseman who struggled since trade with the Cubs
Just three days after the Red Sox designated veteran first baseman Garrett Cooper for assignment, the club granted his release.
Cooper will become a free agent and look for his third organization this season. He started the season with the Cubs after signing with them before spring training. Chicago designated him for assignment in mid-April before he was traded to the Red Sox for cash on April 27.
The 33-year-old struggled with the Red Sox, hitting just .171 with four doubles, five RBIs, and a .455 OPS in 24 games. Boston designated Cooper for assignment to make room for Masataka Yoshida. The Japanese star came off the injured list this week after missing 37 games with a thumb strain.
With Cooper looking for work elsewhere, the Red Sox are committing to Dominic Smith and Bobby Dalbec as their first base options until Triston Casas returns from the injured list.
Romy Gonzalez is another internal option to play first base. He is rehabbing with the WooSox on the road in Buffalo and played first base on Saturday night.
Cooper is a career .265 hitter with 57 homers, 233 RBI and a .759 OPS in 517 major league games over eight big league seasons. The 2022 All-Star has spent time with the Yankees, Marlins, Padres, Cubs, and Red Sox.
