Kyle Schwarber is going to get a raise. That much we know. Whether or not it is going to be with the Red Sox remains to be seen.
Schwarber has officially declined his half of the $11.5 million mutual option he had for the 2022 season.
The outfielder/designated hitter/first baseman 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 he will now receive.
Because he switched teams during the 2021 season, the Red Sox are not allowed to present Schwarber a qualifying offer. That means that the Sox will not be garnering any compensation if the 28-year-old 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).
The lefty hitter 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.
The Associated Press was first with news of Schwarber's decision.