The approach the Boston Red Sox take to filling out their roster this offseason will be heavily influenced by J.D. Martinez‘s decision regarding the opt-out clause in his contract. The budget will be tight for a team intent on slashing payroll in order to dip below the luxury tax threshold if Martinez stays. Boston would have more to spend on pitching if the veteran designated hitter tests free agency but his departure would also leave a giant hole in their lineup.
Martinez hasn’t given us many hints on what he plans to do, presumably because he’s waiting to see how the free agent market shapes up.