Red Sox Release Outfielder Despite Strong Start To 2023 Campaign In Surprise Move

The Boston Red Sox made a questionable move to release a solid veteran instead of retaining him with the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox but it might not have been entirely their decision. 

The Red Sox released outfielder Raimel Tapia on Sunday, just days after designating him for assignment. The 29-year-old cleared waivers and instead of joining the WooSox, has become a free agent.

Tapia hit .264 with six extra-base hits including a home run, 10 RBIs and a .701 OPS in 39 games for the Red Sox this season. He was a solid contributor as a left-handed bench option -- both as a spot starter and especially as a pinch hitter. 

Now, it would have made all of the sense in the world to retain Tapia but it's possible that the veteran asked for his release in order to find a better opportunity. 

If not, it would be very odd for Boston to just outright release him when he'd be a prime call-up candidate should any position player go down via injury.

Some fans were upset Tapia was not traded but MassLive's Sean McAdam reported that the team did what they could to send him elsewhere before his release.

It's also apparent that there was no viable trade partner seeing as Tapia cleared waivers -- meaning nobody took him for free after the fact.