Fansided

3 overpaid players the Red Sox need to cut ties with

By Trent Tetzlaff

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 5-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 17: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Red Sox 5-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Dustin Pedroia (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Dustin Pedroia (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

A last-place finish in the AL East was not ideal. The Red Sox now need to shed the large salaries of these three players.

The 2020 Red Sox, underwhelmingly so, finished under .500 for the first time in five years. Not the result the players and coaches were looking for. And, well, certainly not the fans either.

So what’s next for the storied franchise who just brought back head coach Alex Cora after his January dismissal? Most likely a continued restructure.

For the 2021 season, the teams projected payroll is just under $123 million meaning they have plenty of wiggle room moving forward. However, a number of large contracts could be cut before opening day.

According to Spotrac, Four players over the age of 30 are due at least $12 million this season for the Red Sox. Not ideal, especially when injuries, struggles at the plate and age have all become a factor.

Well, let’s get to it and break down the 3 overpaid players the Red Sox could cut ties with this offseason. Red Sox fans, I bet you know where this is headed.

3. Dustin Pedroia, 2B

Second baseman Dustin Pedroia is now 37-years-old and in the final year of his contract set to pay him $12 million in 2021, According to Spotrac. On top of this, he has only seen the field nine times over the past three seasons due to injury problems.

Pedroia’s 14-year career has seen four all-star appearances, five seasons batting over .300 and three World Series titles. You definitely can’t argue what he’s brought to the franchise, but an argument can be made for his Red Sox career to be over.

The Red Sox are on the hook for the remaining dollars on his contract, however, If they do decide to release him this offseason, an additional spot on the 40-man roster is opened up. Could they potentially sign a player like Kolten Wong? Or Maybe they make a real big splash for DJ LeMahieu.