Report: Jason Varitek ‘Leaning Toward Retirement’

Tim Wakefield sent waves of sadness through Red Sox Nation by announcing his retirement on Friday. Now, those feelings may continue, as Jason Varitek could be following in his footsteps.

Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo tweeted after Wakefield’s retirement news conference that the Red Sox’ captain is “leaning toward retirement.” Varitek’s future in Boston has been in question all offseason, especially after the team signed Kelly Shoppach to backup Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Varitek, who turns 40 on April 11, made his MLB debut in 1997 and has spent his entire 15-season career in a Red Sox uniform. He has caught a league-record four no-hitters and is one of three Red Sox players (David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis being the other two) from both the 2004 and 2007 World Series championship clubs who are still with the club.