3 Red Sox players who won’t be back next season

The Boston Red Sox made it to the ALCS but still have work to do if they want to challenge for a World Series. That means making tough free agent decisions.

The 2021 season will go down as one to build on for the Red Sox.

They exceeded expectations by getting to the ALCS but ultimately disappointed by losing three straight games to get knocked out by the Astros on Friday night.

The campaign is now officially over with all eyes turning towards what might be possible next season. The first order of business is to make free agent decisions count.

3 Red Sox players who won’t return in 2022

3. Garrett Richards

Garrett Richards is on his way to being bought out by the Red Sox after a disappointing 2021 campaign.

The pitcher signed with Boston for $10 million in the offseason and had a miserable debut with the team, posting a 7-8 record and 4.87 ERA. Alex Cora eventually took him out of the starting rotation and moved him into the bullpen because of the struggles.

The bullpen move worked out until he suffered a hamstring injury in the ALDS.

The fact remains he wasn’t worth the one-year deal he got and he won’t be worth another go at that level, especially with Garrett Whitlock looking ready to get a run in the rotation.