Boston Red Sox: When four equals one million

The Boston Red Sox seemingly have an easy decision to make this offseason. They hold a $7 million option on Christian Vazquez for the 2022 season, potentially allowing them to keep their starting catcher in the fold at a reasonable price. It is just a matter of the offseason officially starting for the Red Sox to do just that.

That option was almost a bit more expensive. His option would have increased by $1 million had he received 502 plate appearances in 2021; Vazquez ended the season just four short of that increase.

Boston Red Sox potentially save $1 million by four plate appearances

Essentially, it came down to one more game. Had Alex Cora given Vazquez one more start over the course of the season, he likely would have gotten those four plate appearances, triggering that pay raise for the coming season.

Even then, it would have made sense for the Red Sox to pick up that option. Vazquez may not have set the world afire with his bat, producing a .258/.308/.352 batting line with six homers and 23 doubles, but those numbers are respectable for a catcher. He also had two seasons with above average production prior to last year, giving the Red Sox reason to believe that he could improve next year.

Vazquez is more than his offense. He has been a solid defensive catcher throughout his career, possessing a strong arm and a solid glove. He has a good rapport with the pitching staff as well, something that is difficult to replace.

That is the key with Vazquez. One has to look at the complete package in order to truly gauge his value. Pitchers such as Chris Sale trust him, which is a major endorsement towards bringing him back. At his price for 2022, that should be an easy decision.

Christian Vazquez missed a potential pay raise by four plate appearances last season. The Boston Red Sox catcher may have to settle for $7 million instead.