Veteran Red Sox outfielder and reliever trigger opt-outs

Veteran Red Sox first baseman C.J. Cron and reliever Joely Rodriguez are triggering opt-out clauses in their contracts.
First baseman C.J. Cron and left-hander Joely Rodriguez have both exercised the uniform opt-out provision in their minor-league contracts with the Red Sox, reports Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. Both players were Article XX(B) free agents – six-plus years of service time, finished the season on a major league roster or injured list – who signed minor-league contracts and were thus granted a trio of mandatory opt-out opportunities: five days prior to Opening Day (Friday), May 1 and June 1. The Red Sox will now have 48 hours to either put Cron and/or Rodriguez on the 40-man roster. They’ll have to release either player if they decide against carrying him on the Opening Day roster. Cron, 34, has four seasons of 25-plus homers under his belt and was consistently an above-average hitter from 2014-22. Back and neck injuries tanked his 2023 season, limiting him to 278 plate appearances with a .248/.295/.434 slash, but he has a strong track record of hitting for power – with largely even platoon splits. From 2018

MLB free agency tracker: Latest 2023 offseason trades, moves - ESPN

Trevor Bauer rejected again; Bob Melvin puts politics back into national anthem; MLB pitchers are now like NFL RBs

Texas Rangers top 30 prospects: No 9. Kumar Rocker has the stuff, but patience is needed

Red Sox sign veteran righthander Chase Anderson for rotation depth - The Boston Globe

Buyers or sellers? How Guardians, Red Sox, other fringe teams should approach 2022 MLB trade deadline

Padres officially sign Wandy Peralta. Now, what about the outfield and rotation? - The Athletic

Red Sox reliever dealing with groin issue after throwing 2-pitch

Stay or go? How MLB players with opt-outs should handle free

Pittsburgh Pirates: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights