Red Sox Could Lose Fan-Favorite Depth Piece Due To Contract Stipulation

Boston could really use a reliable third catcher for the rest of the season

Will the Boston Red Sox lose an important depth piece to start the month? 

It has become commonplace for fringe Major League Baseball players to add contract stipulations that allow them to either be elevated by a certain date or sent to another team that will give them a better opportunity.

Boston briefly took advantage of said rule when they traded for right-hander Zack Littell last month and then saw the other end of the spectrum when they essentially were forced to move outfielder Greg Allen -- who they traded to the New York Yankees. 

The latest contract complication involves a player who is on a tear offensively and plays a position where depth is often needed.

"Veteran backstop Jorge Alfaro, who has been with Triple-A Worcester all season after failing to make Boston’s Opening Day roster, can exercise an opt-out clause in his contract Thursday to pursue major league opportunities," MassLive's Chris Cotillo reported. 

"Though a similar clause came and went at the end of spring training with Alfaro remaining in the organization, his performance at the minors’ highest level may lead teams to have some interest."

Alfaro is hitting .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 29-year-old is considered to be somewhat of a defensive liability behind the plate, which certainly factored into Alfaro's struggles to make a big-league roster before eventually signing a minor-league deal with Boston.

That said, Alfaro's offensive production has improved his stock and one of his former teams, the San Diego Padres, is in desperate need of help behind the dish.

Reese McGuire and Connor Wong have done plenty to hold their spots on the Red Sox's active roster. Alfaro's only chance to be called up in his current situation would require an injury. 

UPDATE: Alfaro has indeed opted out of his contract with the Red Sox.

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