MLB Trade Rumors

Free agency commences in a few days, and Willson Contreras will be the unquestioned top backstop available. The career-long Cub is certain to receive and reject a qualifying offer from Chicago while his representatives at Octagon set out in search of a strong multi-year pact. While clubs can’t formally begin to discuss contract terms with other teams’ free agents until … [Read more...] about Latest On Market For Willson Contreras

The Red Sox announced that lefty James Paxton has triggered his $4MM player option, sticking with the club for 2023. Paxton, 34, has oscillated back and forth in his career between excellent results and injury setbacks. He was drafted by the Mariners and pitched for them from 2013 to 2018. In those six seasons, he never posted an ERA higher than 3.90 but also never stayed … [Read more...] about James Paxton Exercises Player Option

The Red Sox have avoided arbitration with outfielder Rob Refsnyder by agreeing to a one-year deal, according to Chad Jennings of The Athletic. Refsnyder will earn a salary of $1.2MM in 2023, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive, and will be able to earn an extra $100K in performance bonuses, per Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz had projected a slightly … [Read more...] about Red Sox, Rob Refsnyder Avoid Arbitration

The Mariners have acquired right-hander Easton McGee from the Red Sox for cash considerations, according to announcements from both teams. McGee, who turns 25 next month, was originally selected to a big league roster for the first time about six weeks ago, yet is now in his third organization already. A 2016 draft pick of the Rays, he was added to Tampa’s roster at the end of … [Read more...] about Mariners Acquire Easton McGee From Red Sox

The Red Sox and star shortstop Xander Bogaerts didn’t agree on a contract extension before the start of the offseason. The four-time All-Star officially opted out of the final three years on his deal with Boston this morning, sending him to the open market for the first time in his career. The Sox still have exclusive negotiating rights with Bogaerts through Thursday, but … [Read more...] about Bloom: Bogaerts Remains Red Sox’s Preferred Option At Shortstop

In one of the most obvious opt-out decisions in recent memory, Red Sox first baseman Eric Hosmer will forgo his opportunity to return to the open market, tweets Jon Heyman of the New York Post. He’s now locked into the final three years and $39MM of the contract, although the Sox are only on the hook for the league minimum in each of the next three seasons. The Padres are … [Read more...] about Eric Hosmer Won’t Exercise Opt-Out Clause

As expected, Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts has officially opted out of his contract, as the MLB Players Association announced (via Twitter) that Bogaerts was among the latest players to join the free agent market.  Bogaerts will leave the final three years and $60MM of his deal with Boston to look for a larger contract on the open market. There was never much suspense over … [Read more...] about Xander Bogaerts Opt Out Of Red Sox Contract

The Red Sox won’t be exercising their end of Tommy Pham’s $12MM mutual option for 2023, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.  Pham gets a $1.5MM buyout on the option, and becomes a free agent. It was a tough season for Pham, who may have received more attention for a fantasy football-related altercation with Joc Pederson than for anything he did on the field in 2022.  … [Read more...] about Red Sox To Decline Tommy Pham’s 2023 Mutual Option

The Red Sox are declining their two-year, $26MM team option on left-hander James Paxton, chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom told reporters (including Alex Speier of the Boston Globe). The southpaw will now have to decide whether to trigger a $4MM player option to return to Boston or if he wishes to test the open market. This was a no-brainer for the Red Sox, as the 6’4″ hurler … [Read more...] about Red Sox To Decline Option On James Paxton; Paxton Yet To Decide On Player Option