Dustin Pedroia is the kind of guy Boston loves, and had this aura around him that we loved him because he was “our guy”. He was undersized (listed at 5’9, but has said he is 5’7), drafted by us, won rings with us, and played hard while doing it. But the Laser Show wasn’t just our guy. He was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2007. He followed that up in 2008 by winning a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, an All-Star appearance, and the MVP. That’s what made today’s announcement so hard, and it effectively means Dustin Pedroia is retiring.
Ok, Nothing is Official Yet
I’m told that both the Red Sox and Dustin Pedroia are prepared to talk soon about a mutual understanding that would end his playing career.
Pedroia, 37, has played only nine games over the last three seasons because of numerous issues with his left knee. He is signed through 2021 for $12 million.
Peter Abraham, Boston Globe
According to Peter Abraham, the Red Sox are set to meet with Pedroia, but we all know what this means. Pedroia has played nine games over the past three years, and hasn’t played any since April 27, 2019.
The Red Sox hope to pay off the remaining $12 million of his salary to free up his roster spot. Unless Pedroia wants to play for the Diamondbacks to keep playing but stay close to his family, his career is all but over. Once bought out, no one from the 2007 World Series team will be on the Red Sox (unless they sign Jon Lester). Outside of nostalgia, how would Dustin Pedroia retiring impact the Red Sox?
Dustin Pedroia Retiring Wouldn’t Impact the Red Sox
As I said, Pedey hasn’t played since 2019. It appeared unlikely he would ever play again, and if he did it would be one game on, ten off. With a Red Sox front office that is trying to cut salary, a ring in the next few years is unlikely. It makes no sense for Pedroia to risk a life altering knee injury to go 65-97. The Red Sox knew this, and both sides knew Pedroia wasn’t in the team’s longterm plans.
A Final Goodbye to the Muddy Chicken
On a more personal note, I love Dustin Pedroia. He was “our guy” due to being drafted here, but he was also a phenomenal player. It was also nice seeing a guy my height dominate when he was healthy. I’ll miss you, enjoy your retirement Dustin.
Oh, and fuck you Machado.
I am sad about Pedroi retiring. Want to see me be sad more? Follow me on Twitter (@BellyUpKev) as I go through the worst sports year in my life.
