(WEEI) Kyle Schwarber is going to get a raise. That much we know. Whether it's going to be with the Red Sox remains to be seen.
An outfielder/designated hitter/first baseman, Schwarber has officially declined his half of the $11.5-million mutual option he had for the 2022 season. He had signed a one-year, $10-million deal with the Nationals prior to 2021, paying him $7 million guaranteed and then another in the $3 million buyout that he'll now receive.
Because Schwarber switched teams during the 2021 season, the Red Sox aren't allowed to present the 28-year-old Schwarber a qualifying offer. That means that the Red Sox won't garner any compensation if he signs with another team.
Schwarber's best path to a return with the Red Sox would seemingly be if J.D. Martinez opts out of his current deal, freeing up the DH spot -- and the nearly $19 million owned Martinez.
Schwarber became a fan favorite during his two-plus-month stretch with the Red Sox, turning in a .957 OPS with seven homers in 41 regular-season games.
Schwarber continued his momentum through the American League Division Series, going 5-for-16 with a home run and a pair of walks in the four-game series against Tampa Bay. He did, however, slump in the ALCS, managing just three hits in 27 at-bats.