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News: Jason Varitek will not be a Free Agent

by Matthew Cerrone on November 9th, 2009 at 9:07 pm

According to NESN.com, Red Sox C Jason Varitek will exercise his $3 million player option for 2010, meaning he will not be a free agent.

Original Post, 3:37 pm:

Rob Bradford of WEEI Radio in Boston says the Red Sox will not pick up the $5 million option on Varitek’s contract.

According to Bradford, “Varitek has five days to decide whether to exercise his one-year, $3 million player option for next season,” or become a free agent.

pick it up, pick it up, pick it up… because, if he ends up being a free agent, i fear where this story might end up

Last off season, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com said the Mets were divided on whether to sign Varitek, who ended up returning to Boston.

Yesterday, Marty Noble of MLB.com listed ‘veteran catcher,’ among Omar Minaya’s goals for this off season.

In 109 games this season, Varitek hit just .209 with 14 HR and 51 RBI, after hitting just .220 with 13 HR and 43 RBI in 2008.

To check out the full list of potential free-agent catchers this off season, which includes Rod Barajas, Benjie Molina, Yorvit Torrealba, and Ivan Rodriguez, go to MLB Trade Rumors.