Boston Red Sox Decline 2015 Team Option On Craig Breslow

Today, the Boston Red Sox declined the $4 million team option for LHP Craig Breslow.  Breslow had a very below average season in 2014 and it doesn’t really seem like a surprise the team decided to try and save money while they choose to resign him or not.  The team does seem interested in resigning Breslow but considering his 2014 numbers are well below average the $4 million option just isn’t worth it. 

In a quote from Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington had this to say about Breslow:

"He's a unique individual off the field, he means a lot and does a lot for baseball off the field, and [he] was a critical performer for us, particularly in 2013.  He has a lot of good qualities and we have a great relationship with him, so we'll see what happens. No matter what happens, we value the relationship and we would bet on him having a bounce-back year next year. He's certainly motivated to do that and capable of doing that."

As stated previously Breslow had a real down year compared to his 2013 campaign.  His FIP rose quite a bit in 2014 ending at 5.13, which puts him well below the average FIP.  Luckily for Breslow its also well above his average FIP of 3.89, which begs the question.  Where range does Breslow’s FIP fall?  Looking at his career numbers it does seem to fall right where it is at 3.89.  2014 had a career high in HR/FB, a trend that was broken last year but seems to have come back with a vengeance.  Breslow struggled to even get left-handed batters out last season having a .299 BAA versus left-handed batters.  Bottom line Breslow’s 2013 was a mirage when you look at the numbers but the real Breslow isn’t as bad as he was in 2014.  Declining the option will allow the Red Sox to resign him to a cheaper deal and considering the teams option its probably in their best interest to do so.