David Ross is cognizant that his days with the Boston Red Sox could be numbered.
Ross has said he’d like to play at least one more season before considering retirement. The 37-year-old catcher is open to re-signing with the Red Sox, but he’s set to hit free agency following a disappointing 2014 season. The ball is in Boston’s court.
“It’s hard to know what they’re thinking,” Ross told the Boston Herald’s Scott Lauber before Tuesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. “With a losing season after coming off of last year, it’s not like there’s a lot of good, warm fuzzies around here. I don’t know. I feel like if they really want me, they might’ve already come to me.”
Ross has emerged as a vocal leader in the Red Sox’s clubhouse since signing a two-year, $6.2 million contract before the 2013 season. Boston manager John Farrell has stated several times that having Ross is like having an additional coach given the veteran’s knowledge of the game and effective handling of the pitching staff. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Sox attempt to re-sign Ross to back up Christian Vazquez in 2015.
The reality, however, is that Ross entered Wednesday hitting .185 with a .264 on-base percentage. While Ross’ bread and butter is his game management, it’s possible Boston could look elsewhere for a catcher with more offensive potential, especially given that Vazquez is a defensive-oriented backstop.
“I’m not having a great year for them. I know that,” Ross told Lauber. “My catching stats are down, my batting average obviously is not very good. A team like the Boston Red Sox, they can get whoever they want. They might be turning their attention to maybe the next guy. Maybe there’s somebody else they’ve got their eye on.”
Ross acknowledged that this season has been a “fight,” especially given the success the Red Sox enjoyed in 2013. He has found joy in helping Boston’s younger players, including Vazquez, but can’t help but wonder what lies ahead.
