Red Sox Catcher Elects Free Agency In Effort To Make MLB Roster Elsewhere

Boston loses a fairly important depth piece as the month turns over

The Boston Red Sox reportedly lost some organization depth on Thursday due to a stipulation in the slugger's contract.

A player who quickly became a fan favorite in Boston due to his immense power, flare for the dramatic and physical comparisons to Jason Momoa is set to leave the Red Sox organization.  

"Jorge Alfaro is opting out of his deal with the Red Sox and testing free agency," MassLive's Chris Cotillo tweeted Thursday.

Alfaro signed a minor-league deal with a June 1 opt-out in order to increase his odds of making a big-league roster this season. 

The Red Sox have 48 hours to add him onto the active roster but there is no need for a third catcher in Boston unless they plan on using Alfaro as a designated hitter. Given Justin Turner's production in the role, that seems unlikely. 

Alfaro hit .320 with 21 extra-base hits including six home runs, 30 RBIs and a .887 OPS in 42 games for the WooSox this season. The offensive production is enticing but his defense is widely regarded as a liability, even after being mentored by Jason Varitek throughout spring training.

The sense was that Alfaro would opt out of the deal, which he now has done. Barring an unexpected roster move, Alfaro's time in the Red Sox organization is over. 

More MLB: Former Red Sox Slugger Becoming Solid Trade Chip Amid Hot Stretch In Worcester