5 players who won’t be back with the Boston Red Sox in 2020
2. 2B Dustin Pedroia
An ongoing left knee issue has limited Pedroia to just nine games over the last two seasons. Back in May, before he shifted course and had something so eloquently called a “left knee joint preservation procedure” in August, the 36-year old acknowledged his murky playing future.
Pedroia: 'I'm at a point right now where I need some time. That's what my status is' Said he's not considering another surgery. Asked if he thought he could play again: 'I'm not sure.'
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) May 27, 2019
Dustin Pedroia underwent a successful left knee joint preservation procedure yesterday, Sox announce.
— Julian McWilliams (@byJulianMack) August 7, 2019
Pedroia is due a total of $25 million over the next two seasons. If this were five or 10 years ago, that would look like a bargain. But here he (and the Red Sox) are, with that money committed to him with no guarantee he ever takes the field again. Retirement would take those obligations ($13 million next year, $12 million in 2021) off the Red Sox’ books.
They might be stuck paying him as he attempts one last comeback. But even if he reports healthy and ready to go for spring training in Fort Myers next year there’s a solid chance Pedroia doesn’t make it to Opening Day in the same condition, and he could very well call it a career within that stretch of time.