Red Sox Infielder Elects Free Agency After Roller Coaster Stint With Boston

One former member of the Red Sox is looking for a new opportunity

Another former member of the Boston Red Sox is entering free agency. 

Former Red Sox infielder Yu Chang officially elected to enter free agency on Friday afternoon, according to the MiLB Transaction Log. 

Chang joined the Red Sox toward the end of the 2022 campaign after being designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays. The 28-year-old appeared in just 11 games for Boston in 2022 and slashed .150/.346/.250 with two doubles and three RBIs. 

Boston re-signed Chang to a one-year deal ahead of the 2023 season and he made the club's Opening Day roster. The Red Sox entered the season without much infield depth and Chang helped fill the role. He became a fan-favorite during his short stint in Boston despite offensive struggles. Chang appeared in 39 games with the Red Sox in 2023 and clubbed six home runs, drove in 18 runs, and slashed .162/.200/.352.

It's not too surprising that he opted for free agency. Chang was designated for assignment after the club activated shortstop Trevor Story in August and spent the rest of the season in the minor leagues. Chang likely wouldn't have a role with the Red Sox in 2024 if he had decided to stick around.

It's unclear what he will do, but he likely will get another shot with a different team on at least a minor league deal. Chang provided solid defense when the Red Sox needed it and has some pop in his bat. He likely will land with a club as a depth option in free agency this upcoming offseason.

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