Veteran infielder opts out of deal with the WooSox
Red Sox minor league infielder Niko Goodrum has opted out his deal and will become a free agent. He had spent all season with the WooSox, playing in 65 games in Triple-A.
Goodrum had a strong season for Worcester, he batted .280 with 61 hits, nine doubles, one triple, eight homers, 36 RBI and .448 on-base percentage, which ranked third in the International League.
Goodrum was a valuable player in the WooSox clubhouse and offered versatility all over the field. During his time in Worcester he played first base, second base, third base, and right field.
His time with the Sox organization could come to an end on July 1. The veteran has an opt-out clause in his contract and all signs are pointing to him exercising that option.
Prior to the WooSox game on Friday night, Goodrum was removed from the lineup and the team elevated Portland Sea Dogs utilityman Tyler McDonough.
Similar to Goodrum, McDonough can play all over the baseball diamond. He’s played second base, shortstop and all three outfield positions this season for Portland.
Goodrum becomes the second veteran to opt out of his deal, with the first being Jorge Alfaro. He was just released by the Rockies last week to make room for the returning Kris Bryant.
While with the WooSox, the team praised Goodrum for his ability to take professional at-bats. No matter how good his approach was and his ability to get on base, it never translated to a promotion to Boston.
“He’s a pro, very professional,” said WooSox manager Chad Tracy to reporters earlier this season. “He swings at strikes, gets deep in counts, manages at-bats, foul things off. You’re watching a guy who has played in the big leagues for a while. He’s got a plan of what he’s trying to do when he goes in there and sticks to it.”
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