Red Sox vice president/general manager Theo Epstein announced Tuesday that the team has offered arbitration to Type A free agents Jason Bay and Billy Wagner.
The team also announced that it will not offer arbitration to outfielder Rocco Baldelli, right-handed pitcher Paul Byrd and infielder Chris Woodward.
By offering Bay and Wagner arbitration, the players have until Dec. 7 to accept or decline that offer. Should they decline as expected and sign with another team, Boston will receive a first- or second-round pick and a sandwich pick in the draft if either signs with another team this offseason.
The Red Sox would like both Bay and Wagner to return, although Wagner has expressed interest in closing once again — a role he would not have in Boston with closer Jonathan Papelbon holding down that title. Bay is going to explore all of his options, but has stated that he is open to returning to the club.
