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Boston Red Sox

Red Sox 2022 contract option tracker

By Alex Barth November 7th, 2021
Oct 11, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez (28) hits a one-run RBI single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning during the third inning during game four of the 2021 ALDS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

MLB teams and have until 5 p.m. ET on Sunday to decide on options and opt-outs in contracts for the 2022 season. For the Red Sox, that includes three team options, a mutual option, and a potential player opt out.

Who will stay and who will go? Here’s a roundup of the five players to watch as the deadline approaches…

  • DH J.D. Martinez (player option)

    According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, J.D. Martinez will not exercise the opt-out in his contract and remain in Boston for the 2022 season. The 34-year-old is set to make $19.3 million in what is the final year of the five-year, $110 million deal he signed back in 2018.

    Martinez hit .286 in 148 games for the Red Sox last season, with 28 home runs and 99 RBIs. He projects to be the starting DH again in 2022.

  • OF Kyle Schwarber (mutual option)

    As first reported by the Associated Press on Friday, Kyle Schwarber declined the mutual option that would have kept him in Boston and paid him $11.5 million in 2022. Schwarber now becomes an unrestricted free agent.

    The Red Sox acquired Schwarber at the trade deadline last year. In 41 games he hit .291 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs. In addition to filling in in the outfield, Schwarber was also used as a platoon first baseman.

  • C Christian Vazquez (team option)

    According to multiple reports, the Red Sox are picking up the option on Vazquez, their longest-tenured player. Vazquez will make $7 million in 2022.

    Vazquez played in 138 games for the Red Sox last year, hitting .258.

  • RHP Garrett Richards (team option)

    According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox declined the $10 million dollar option on pitcher Garrett Richards. Richards now becomes a free agent.

    Richards struggled as a starter early last season for the Red Sox, but found success in the bullpen later in the season. He finished with a 4.87 ERA in 136.2 innings.

  • LHP Martin Perez (team option)

    Alex Speier of The Boston Globe is reporting the Red Sox have declined a $6 million option on pitcher Martin Perez, sending him to free agency. The Red Sox also declined Perez’s option last year, only to bring him back later in free agency.

    Perez made 36 appearances for the Red Sox last year, including 22 starts. He posted a 4.74 ERA in 114 innings.

Keep in mind, players who have options declined or opt out are not guaranteed to head elsewhere in free agency, it just means other teams can then negotiate with that player. It’s not uncommon to see teams bring back a players whose option is declined earlier in the offseason.

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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