Red Sox Release 28-Year-Old Outfielder Despite Strong Season

Thinning out the minor-leauge depth chart

May 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of a glove and Boston Red Sox hat in the dugout prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

For those of us who stalk the Boston Red Sox's transactions log like total sickos, the name Matt Fraizer was an intriguing one for several months.

A former Pittsburgh Pirates third-round pick, Fraizer signed a minor-league deal with the Red Sox on New Year's Eve last winter. He started the season on the 60-day injured list, began with a rehab assignment in rookie ball, was reassigned to Double-A Portland in June, and generally put up solid statistics at the plate.

However, after only 34 games in a Red Sox-affiliated uniform, Fraizer's time in the organization has come to an end. According to that aforementioned transactions log, the 28-year-old was released by the Portland Sea Dogs on Monday.

Matt Fraizer released — where roster mix stands

The Red Sox didn't expect Fraizer to be a sudden star, per se, but it was clear he was a ballplayer even if he never quite developed into a blue-chip prospect. He's had some 20-steal seasons in the minors, and his OPS has generally been in the mid-.700s.

In his 23 games with Portland, Fraizer slashed .308/.368/.513. He hit a home run, drove in 17 runs, and stole two bases.

The Portland roster is crowded with position player talent, as outfielders Miguel Bleis and Nelly Taylor are intriguing organizational names at Fraizer's position. Boston reportedly promoted infielder Henry Godbout from High-A to Double-A, so this move could be the preemptive opening for the 2025 second-round pick.

Because he's getting up there in age and isn't exactly knocking down the door to the big leagues, Fraizer was a guy who didn't fit in the Red Sox's plans. On any given day, if a manager had to choose between starting him and a younger prospect, the choice would be fairly clear.

The Red Sox were Fraizer's first new team after seven years in the Pirates organization, but finding a new club could be more difficult at this stage. It's always possible there's something in the works behind the scenes when a move like this gets announced, but we wouldn't be shocked if this is the end of the road in affiliated ball.

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