3 Red Sox Who Should Sit Out if Rob Manfred Institutes 50-Game Season

With a shortened season almost a certainty at this point, some players would benefit more by sitting out if MLB commissioner Rob Manfred uses the nuclear option, bypassing negotiations to force a 50-game season.

In the event of that scenario, it's no secret some of the game's biggest stars might bypass the campaign altogether -- some could benefit from a financial, health and/or value (in terms of free agency) standpoint. That's the case with these Red Sox players.

3. Jackie Bradley Jr.

Jackie Bradley Jr. could lose value if he plays in 2020. / Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Streakiness has been the theme of Jackie Bradley Jr.'s entire career. A shortened season would either result in great success or complete disaster for JBJ. There's simply not enough time for things to level out like they would in a full 162-game season. This makes Bradley's decision to play in 2020 difficult. He will become a free agent after this season and could see his value decrease if he doesn't perform well. At 30 years old, this could be Bradley's last chance at a sizable contract. Overall, it would be safer for him to sit out in 2020 and make his new contract year 2021.

2. Xander Bogaerts

It's just not worth it for Xander Bogaerts to play in 2020. / Jim Rogash/Getty Images

After signing a six-year, $125 million contract last season, Bogaerts was supposed to make $20 million in 2020. He'd only make a fraction of that salary if he decided to play in 2020. Bogaerts has already seen insane success in his short MLB career. We could easily see him take 2020 off and start preparing early for next season, when he'll make his full salary, and just extend his time in Beantown by another year. It's not like he's waiting for a big payday -- he already got it, and should maximize it.

1. J.D. Martinez

J.D. Martinez has nothing to prove in 2020. / Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Similar to Bogaerts, Martinez was owed a huge salary -- $23.75 million to be exact -- in 2020. Martinez will have options after the 2020 season, with the opportunity to opt-out of his deal if he feels like he could get more money, but that will depend if he gets off to a hot start and maintains it in this hypothetical 50-game scenario. The veteran slugger is coming off another great season after batting .304 with 36 home runs and 105 RBI in 2019. He wouldn't have much to prove if he were to play this season, which makes sitting out a prudent decision in terms of his production, health, and financial situation.