For the Red Sox’s two-time All-Star, a door was wide open on May 1 that could have changed the narrative of his career. Known for his stellar pitch framing, he has 13 seasons at the major league level to his name. In fact, before the 2025 season began, the Red Sox weren’t the only franchise that was interested in signing this veteran.
The Atlanta Braves were equally interested in signing him. However, he would have rather retired than signed a minor league deal. Coming to the present day, he has just made a decision that has raised curiosity across the league.
The 2-time All-Star is none other than Yasmani Grandal. Since Grandal has been playing in the minor leagues, he had an opt-out clause in his minor league contract that allowed him to hit free agency on May 1. And guess what? It has come to light by MLB insider Chris Cotillo that Grandal has decided to stay put at the Red Sox’s Triple-A Worcester.
You see, the thing is, he has found his solace in Boston with the Red Sox. So, even though Grandal was approached by other major-league teams, he plans on staying put.
Oct 7, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) scores a run past Chicago White Sox catcher Yasmani Grandal (24) during the third inning during game one of the 2021 ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
It’s definitely surprising, but Grandal has landed on this decision to get more at-bats for the next couple of weeks. Around mid-April, he signed with the Red Sox; since then, the veteran catcher has had a decent set of numbers. Grandal holds a slash line of .250/.379/.500 with 1 home run and 5 RBIs. Not to forget, 5 walks and 5 stolen bases across 29 plate appearances.
Ahead of his decision to stay put, the Red Sox wouldn’t mind to grant him the release if he gets knocked with a good opportunity for the big league. Moreover, as it seems, there is certainly no spot for Grandal in the Red Sox’s roster.
Now that’s confusing, right? Well, when the Red Sox signed him in mid-April, it was just after their reliable catcher, Connor Wong, fractured his pinky finger. So, naturally, they had to bring in someone. That’s when the Red Sox added Grandal to the depth of their roster.
Carlos Narvaez was filling in for Wong during his absence. Now, the Red Sox are expecting Wong sooner rather than later. Hence, it doesn’t seem like Grandal will have a big-league spot. Although Grandal always wanted to play for the Red Sox, that’s all that truly mattered to him.
Why is Yasmani Grandal still holding onto the Boston Red Sox?
The stellar pitch framer Yasmani Grandal has 194 home runs and 13 seasons in the majors to his name. More than a decade later, why has he decided to stay put in the minors? Sure, it’s anything but glamorous. He is grinding very hard, despite being 36 and at the twilight of his career.
Grandal reportedly expressed that the Red Sox have always been a desirable destination for him. He also mentioned that the Red Sox’s coach, Varitek, has inspired him growing up. Grandal said, “I don’t care where I’m at.” That statement reflects the fact that it really doesn’t bother him to play for other big-budget teams. He is just here to win, as he added later.
His young teammates admire him for the way Grandal never fails to show up when it comes to refining his career. The Red Sox’s top prospect and Grandal’s teammate, Marcelo Mayer, admires him, as he stated, “He’s been in the league for like a thousand years. I probably wouldn’t be in Rochester in 30-degree weather when it’s damn near snowing.”
He further added, “It just shows how much he loves the game and how much he’s still willing to get better and learn.” Grandal’s decision to not opt out certainly suggests what Mayer believes.
He is not rushing for the big leagues. Instead, it’s his love for the game that truly matters more than anything.
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