The Boston Red Sox are now looking ahead to the upcoming offseason following their elimination in the 2021 ALCS against the Houston Astros.
Among the offseason dilemmas that the Red Sox will face include the uncertain future of outfielder Kyle Schwarber. Boston acquired him from the Washington Nationals ahead of the 2021 MLB trade deadline. He has an $11.5 million mutual option for the 2022 season, although it is not yet known on the level of interest that Boston's front office has in possibly bringing him back on this contract deal.
As one would expect, Schwarber does not yet have a definitive answer on just what he plans to do come the start of free agency. But as he touched on following Boston's loss to Houston in Game 6 of the ALCS, he would entertain the idea of returning to the Red Sox next season.
“I wish I could tell everyone I'm going to,” Schwarber said.
“This is definitely a clubhouse that I could see myself wanting to stay in. These guys are amazing. This is a World Series clubhouse. I would love the… hopefully, see if that opportunity comes back.”
Schwarber shined during his half-season run with the Red Sox this year. While he did not continue to record home runs at the astounding rate that he posted with the Nationals, he instead centered his approach on simply reaching base. He notched a .435 OBP and recorded 33 walks in 41 regular season games with Boston, which was up from his .340 OBP and 31 walks posted in 72 such games with Washington.
The veteran outfielder had a formidable ALDS showing against the Tampa Bay Rays with a .313 batting average, but he then went on to record a .120 batting average in the ALCS clash against the Houston Astros.
Overall, Schwarber much credits his teammates for helping him integrate into the team.
“I just want to say thank you to the whole group,” Schwarber said.
“These guys made it so easy on me just to be able to come in and, me being hurt, they could all look at me sideways and be like ‘Why we trade for a guy that's hurt?'”
The Red Sox may be in for one hectic offseason later this year.
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