Two Red Sox veterans trigger opt-outs, forcing roster decisions by Sunday
Two veterans in Red Sox camp exercised opt-out clauses in their contracts Friday, forcing the Red Sox into making decisions on them by the end of the weekend.
First baseman C.J. Cron and lefty reliever Joely Rodríguez both triggered their opt-outs, baseball sources confirmed, starting a 48-hour process during which the Red Sox must decide on their futures. Neither player is a free agent yet. By Sunday, the Red Sox may decide whether or not to add each player to their 40-man roster; if not, the players will be released into free agency.
The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier first reported the news Friday afternoon. Veteran catcher Roberto Pérez had the same clause in his minor league deal but has decided to stay put, according to an industry source. Early next week, lefty Lucas Luetge has an upward mobility in his clause that would allow him to leave the Red Sox if another team is willing to guarantee him a major league opportunity.
Both Cron and Rodríguez are in the mix for spots on the Opening Day roster, which must be finalized by Thursday’s opener in Seattle. Cron is battling with Bobby Dalbec for the backup first base job behind Triston Casas and Rodríguez, along with Luetge, has been competing for a spot in the major league bullpen. Both players signed minor league deals after camp opened, and as major league free agents, have opt-out protection built into the collective bargaining agreement.
If the Red Sox choose to put Dalbec on the roster, they could let Cron walk for another opportunity. They could decide to keep Cron, a former All-Star who has gone 2-for-15 in five spring games, and option Dalbec to Triple-A Worcester to begin the year. The bullpen is a more fluid situation as multiple spots are open. Manager Alex Cora told reporters Friday that with Tanner Houck and
Garrett Whitlock winning rotation spots, camp standout Cooper Criswell will begin the year in the Worcester rotation — and not the major league bullpen. The Red Sox will likely carry two lefties with Rodríguez and Luetge battling to join Brennan Bernardino in the mix. Greg Weissert, Josh Winckowski and Zack Kelly are among the others in the mix for spots; Kenley Jansen’s health status will determine if an additional spot comes open before Thursday.
