Boston received good news Thursday when Lucas Giolito exercised his player option for the 2025 season. Eight players became unrestricted free agents, and the Red Sox have five days to negotiate a new contract before Monday when players are allowed to sign with a new team.
Let’s take a look at the eight players before looking ahead to other key offseason dates. Players are listed in alphabetical last name order.
Luis García
Boston acquired García before the MLB trade deadline. He was intended to be a depth piece for the bullpen but struggled with an 8.22 ERA in 15 1/3 innings along with 13 strikeouts.
Danny Jansen
Jansen also was acquired before the MLB trade deadline and replaced Reese McGuire as the backup catcher. The 29-year-old right-handed bat was meant to help give the Red Sox an edge against left-handed starting pitchers. However, he recorded a .623 OPS in 30 games.
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Kenley Jansen
The four-time All-Star will go down as one of the top closers of his generation. Jansen was a clubhouse leader, but the 37-year-old dealt with multiple injuries during the 2024 season. He finished the year with a 3.29 ERA in 54 2/3 innings with 62 strikeouts.
Chris Martin
The 38-year-old reliever openly wants to pitch one more season before he retires after the 2025 season. He’s dealt with multiple injuries, but the right-hander also recorded a 2.16 ERA in 95 2/3 innings during his two-year career in Boston.
Tyler O’Neill
O’Neill was one of the Red Sox’s most consistent hitters with 31 home runs and 61 RBIs on an .847 OPS. The 29-year-old admitted he’s open to a return to Boston, and it sounds like the sides had preliminary talks before the start of free agency.
James Paxton
The left-hander was expected to help carry the Red Sox after the trade deadline. However, a calf injury cut his season short, and the 35-year-old plans to retire.
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Nick Pivetta
The right-hander turns 32 in February, and he’s one of the most respected players in the clubhouse. Pivetta experienced ups and downs in the 2024 season with a 4.14 ERA in 145 2/3 innings with 172 strikeouts. He’s been with the Red Sox for five years since he was acquired in 2020.
Lucas Sims
Sims was another rental acquired before the trade deadline. The reliever recorded a 6.43 ERA in 14 innings with nine strikeouts.
Rob Refsnyder has a $2.1 million club option that he can exercise until Monday. That is also when players on the 60-day injured list are activated to the 40-man roster. Teams and players have until Nov. 19 to accept or decline a qualifying offer and protect players for the Rule 5 draft.
