Red Sox Reliever Elects Free Agency Over Return To Boston After Poor Stint
After a season he'd like to leave behind, one member of the Boston Red Sox has elected to leave the organization in his past.
The Red Sox will now have to search for another pitcher this offseason, as one of their depth relievers has chosen to explore other options.
Red Sox right-handed pitcher Justin Garza elected free agency Monday per the team's transaction log.
Garza was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels back in April and spent most of the season with the Worcester Red Sox. The 29-year-old also lent a helping hand to the bullpen on multiple occasions due to a lack of depth.
Garza couldn't piece it together in the majors, posting a 7.36 ERA with a 17-to-12 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .286 batting average against and a 1.85 WHIP in 18 1/3 innings pitched across 17 games.
With free agency officially underway, Boston has a prime opportunity to improve their entire pitching staff, including their depth. Players such as Kaleb Ort and Garza cannot be placed in meaningful spots. Good teams won't even have players of that caliber in their organizations.
Hopefully, new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow will raise the bar for what it takes to earn a spot in the Red Sox's bullpen in 2024 and beyond.
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