Boston Red Sox continue to be hurt by Dustin Pedroia

No matter what, Dustin Pedroia remains intent on continuing his playing career. In doing so, he is causing more harm than good to the Boston Red Sox.

There is no questioning Dustin Pedroia‘s place in Boston Red Sox history. The scrappy second baseman became a fan favorite, his hard nosed style of play endearing him to the Red Sox faithful. That refusal to give up and hustle led to a storied career, as Pedroia has been a four time All Star, the 2007 AL Rookie of the Year, the 2008 AL MVP, and a four time Gold Glove winner. He has been a key part of two World Series winning teams, and is likely to have his number retired when he finally calls it a career.

In theory, this would be the right time to do just that. Due to numerous injuries and surgeries that have limited him to just nine games in the past two years, no one would fault Pedroia for finally saying that he had enough. Instead, Pedroia is working towards continuing his career, saying that he is feeling good once more.

However, Pedroia has said that he was feeling good before. In fact, he said he was feeling good several times in the last couple of years, only to continually fall short in those comeback attempts. Even if Pedroia miraculously manages to be healthy enough to crack the Opening Day roster next year, can the 36 year old even play any more? Even if he could not, he would have to be slotted into the lineup more often than not.

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There are also the financial implications of Pedroia coming back. The Red Sox, as everyone knows, are looking to shed payroll. They were over the luxury tax last season without reaching the playoffs, and are attempting to avoid that same fate this year. However, they also owe Pedroia a combined $25 million over the next two years, including a $13 million salary for 2020.

If Pedroia is not healthy, and misses the majority of the coming year, Boston can recoup 70% of that salary through insurance. While that would not be as much of a relief for the cap, it would still be a step in the right direction, and could help Boston land a bullpen arm or two.

This offseason is a pivotal one for the Red Sox as they will look to shape their future. It is also an offseason with a plethora of second base options, the vast majority of which would cost less than Pedroia will over the next two years. And while he has more than earned the right to walk away from the game on his own terms, one has to wonder if he will accept when his time is over, or continue his quixotic quest to return to the lineup.

One can understand why Dustin Pedroia is continuing his attempt to return to the lineup. However, it would be in the Boston Red Sox best interests if he accepted the inevitable and called it a career.