The Boston Red Sox are said to be sidestepping arbitration with one of their experienced players.
As several of Boston’s players faced arbitration eligibility this offseason, Thursday marked the deadline for Major League Baseball teams to reach agreements and circumvent arbitration proceedings.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Red Sox have successfully reached a resolution by securing a one-year deal with veteran catcher Reese McGuire.
According to Morosi, Reese McGuire and the Red Sox have reached a consensus on a one-year contract valued at $1.5 million.
The signing isn’t overly unexpected, given McGuire’s relatively modest cost at just over $1 million. Presently, he is slated to serve as Boston’s backup catcher unless further roster adjustments are made. Despite ongoing speculation and links to various players this offseason, such as the former New York Yankees All-Star Gary Sánchez, the team’s overarching strategy remains uncertain.
Boston’s offseason plans remain somewhat unclear, with ample time left for potential additional moves. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be surprising if Reese McGuire continues with the club for another year.
Acquired by Boston in 2022, the 28-year-old catcher has proven reliable since his arrival. In 2022, he participated in 36 games for the Red Sox, delivering a noteworthy performance with a .337/.377/.500 slash line, three home runs, and 12 RBIs.
During the previous season, McGuire played in 72 games, hitting one home run, tallying 16 RBIs, and registering a slash line of .267/.310/.358. While he may not be positioned as Boston’s long-term catcher, McGuire could serve as a transitional option for the team until the highly-regarded prospect Kyle Teel makes the transition to the major leagues.
