Former Red Sox Starting Infielder Opts for Free Agency

This offseason is going to be a very telling one for the Boston Red Sox. They seem to be preparing to go all-in on contending, but the last few years have made them a much less attractive free agent destination than they once were.

One player, a 39-game starter for the Sox in 2023, has already decided that Boston isn't the right place for him.

Red Sox News: Yu Chang Opts for Free Agency

Former Boston Red Sox infielder Yu Chang has elected to enter free agency on Friday, opting out of his minor league contract with the Triple-A WooSox.

Chang made 39 starts in place of Trevor Story to start the season, but didn’t do enough to keep himself in the majors. He was DFA’d to make room for Story when he returned, accepting an assignment to Triple-A Worcester.

Chang was a liability at the plate, slashing just .162/.200/.352 in 2023, but he's a plus defender, and Alex Cora's comments at the time of Chang's DFA may prove prescient.

"He's a good player. He’s a good defender and teams like that."

- Alex Cora

Chang seems to believe his defensive prowess will be enough to land him in a more favorable spot despite the offensive woes that come as baggage.

This isn't exactly a crushing blow for the Sox, but it's never fun to watch a player decide they're done with the organization — especially when fans are rightly starting to feel a little self-conscious about just how attractive playing in Boston really is these days.

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