Boston Red Sox: Dustin Pedroia may hang up his cleats
There is speculation that Boston Red Sox second baseman, Dustin Pedroia, will be retiring
The 37-year-old Boston Red Sox legend has only played in nine games over the past three seasons due to injuries. Dustin Pedroia was officially reinstated from the 60-day injured list on Halloween but there are reports that the Red Sox are planning on having a discussion with him about his future in baseball.
The #RedSox today announced the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/iUE0hD3pyG
— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 31, 2020
According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox and Pedroia “are prepared to talk soon about a mutual understanding that would end his playing career.” Conversations have not happened since Abraham reported this, but it is supposedly happening in the future.
Per source: 'Nothing' has been discussed between Pedroia or his agents and Red Sox regarding a negotiation involving his status with the team. Near future? Perhaps. But 'nothing' so far.
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) October 31, 2020
Pedroia is still owed $12.125 million for the 2021 season and you could imagine why the Red Sox are considering having a discussion for a settlement of some sort. It would open up another spot on the 40-man roster if the rumor becomes reality.
Pedroia finally facing the inevitable. light. Related Story
Dustin Pedroia’s legacy
The baseball world will not know whether we have seen the last of Pedroia yet, but one thing is certain, he left quite a legacy in Boston. Pedroia was the second-round pick in the 2004 draft out of Arizona State University.
Pedroia tore up the minor leagues as a young player and worked his way to the big leagues in a rather quick fashion. He would make his debut towards the end of the 2006 regular season. Pedroia is one of those players that is special to an organization and he remained with the Red Sox ever since he was drafted.
Over the 14 years in the big leagues, Pedroia has accumulated lots of hardware for decorating his house:
- AL Rookie of the Year in 2007
- AL MVP in 2008
- Four Gold Gloves
- Wilson Defensive Player of the Year
- Four All-Star teams
- Silver Slugger in 2008
- Two World Series rings
The Red Sox have a rich history so it is wrong to say Pedroia is one of the best Red Sox players ever. But his number will be put on a wall somewhere in Fenway Park in the future.
Pedroia has faced multiple injuries throughout his career and if it were not for those, his career could have been a lot different. This says a lot about Pedroia’s fierce energy and competitiveness. Pedroia played with all his energy. Diving for every ball he could, running the bases aggressively, and not being afraid to be knocked down at second base turning double plays.
One of the most controversial plays was when Manny Machado slid into him when Pedroia was turning a double play. This 2017 event hindered Pedroia severely and could be attributed to the end of his career.
Pedroia and the Boston Red Sox had many great moments together. He was a key part of the World Series win in 2013 and received his second World Series ring from the 2018 season.
Not only did Pedroia mean a lot for Boston fans, but he also changed the way infielders were viewed. His energy on defense inspired young athletes to make an effort on every single ground ball. Pedroia even had his own Wilson glove designed and sold around the world.
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He surely inspired me as a young infielder growing up. Dustin Pedroia did not have your typical baseball player build. The second baseman is listed at 5’9″, 170lbs and I think he is even shorter than that. Pedroia proved that short baseball players can be good in the MLB and opened the door for many.