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

Veteran catcher Martin Maldonado 'worth every penny' to White Sox

MLB: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Boston Red Sox News - MLB

As Red Sox make roster decisions, opt outs loom for four veterans

An interesting few days for the Boston Red Sox - Blog

Orioles take sole possession of first place in AL East with 4-3

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

Blue Jays make first round of spring training roster cuts

New Blue Jay Joey Votto on his health: 'I feel excellent. I feel pain-free