Red Sox players we’ll be glad are gone in 2024 and 2 we wish stayed

SAD REPORT:  Red Sox players we’ll be glad are gone in 2024 and 2 we wish stayed…

 The Boston Red Sox roster has altered significantly since last season. Players have come and gone; some were fan favorites, while others overstayed their welcome.

The extent to which the Red Sox have improved or declined this winter is debatable. So are fans’ perceptions of certain players. Boston has made several trades that cannot be adequately forecasted at this time, implying that the front administration did not even attempt to definitively replace some of the players it lost.

The Sox lost several beloved players, as well as those who fans will be happy to see in a new uniform come season. Some of Boston’s losses were unavoidable, but others might have been avoided with a little more work from the front office.

The direction of ownership has had a significant impact (mostly negatively). The front office changes occurred fairly late, immediately before the official end of the season. The arrival of elite prospects and other players recovering from injury influenced certain judgments.

But how will supporters react?

The Red Sox were finally able to sell Chris Sale this winter, and despite his pedigree, his departure is likely to benefit the organization. Red Sox Nation has divided feelings about Sale – he’s an excellent pitcher with swing-and-miss stuff who helped Boston win a championship, but his frequent injuries from 2019 to 2023 ruined everything.

After committing to a five-year extension with Sale worth a whopping $145 million, his injury woes took over. Between 2020 and 2022, Sale made 11 appearances. His 2023 season was also marred by injury after he experienced shoulder discomfort that sent him to the injured list from the beginning of June to mid-August. Sale can’t be blamed for his injuries and he’s undeniably a great pitcher when he’s fully heathy, but Boston was paying him way too much for him to never be able to play. The Sox will fare better with Vaughn Grissom — the prospect who came in return from the Braves.