There are two deadlines in the MLB that end today; qualifying offers and protecting players from the Rule 5 draft. The Boston Red Sox have two priorities: figure out what to do with starter Nick Pivetta, and figure out who to protect from the draft.
For Pivetta, all signs point to the Sox declining his offer. According to MLB insider Robert Murray, Pivetta feels the same, and will likely decline as well as he is receiving a ton of interest from other teams.
As for the Rule 5 draft, the Sox have a few players that they need to protect. Hunter Dobbins, an AAA pitcher prospect who has a strong arm, due to the fact he could be a great arm in the 2025 bullpen, which the Sox desperately need.
Another would be Michael Fulmer, as he was drafted by the Cubs when Craig Breslow was there, so he is probably one of the Sox CBOโs favorites. The Sox have also invested time into rehabbing him last season, so heโs probably not going anywhere.
Finally, Jhostynxon Garcia would be the final pick. In 107 games across A, A+, and AA he has hit 23 homers, something the Red SOx may like to have. Heโs also a righty, which the Sox need in their lineup. He also could be part of a trade package if the Sox wanted to.
While the current 40-man roster is full and space is needed to protect these players, there are quite a few players who were miserable in 2024, and they can be let go to protect the future of the organization.
2 big deadlines for the Red Sox/MLB this afternoon:
Nick Pivetta has to make his decision on the Qualifying Offer. All reports so far have signaled him turning it down.
Itโs also the deadline to add guys to the 40-man roster and protect them from the Rule 5 Draft.
Hunterโฆ pic.twitter.com/HqWRs2Hxki
โ Tyler Milliken โพ๏ธ (@tylermilliken_) November 19, 2024
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