Red Sox release veteran first baseman who struggled after coming in trade
BOSTON — Three days after designating veteran first baseman Garrett Cooper for assignment, the Red Sox have granted him his release.
Cooper will be a free agent in the coming days and will search for his third organization of the season. He started the year with the Cubs before being designated for assignment in mid-April and eventually traded to the Red Sox for cash on April 27.
In more than a month with the Sox, failed to produce offensively. The 33-year-old hit just .171 with four doubles, five RBIs and a .455 OPS in 24 games with Boston, making nine starts at first base and nine as the designated hitter. He was designated Tuesday when the Red Sox needed a roster spot for Masataka Yoshida to come off the injured list after missing 37 games with a thumb strain.
With Cooper off the roster, the Red Sox chose to move forward with Dom Smith and Bobby Dalbec as their first base options until Triston Casas returns. They’ll also likely use utility man Romy Gonzalez there once he’s activated from the injured list. Gonzalez is rehabbing for the second straight night with Triple-A Worcester on Friday and may be active for Saturday’s game against the Yankees.
“Versatility,” Cora said, explaining the move. “We kept Bobby. He can play first, he can play third, he can play the outfield. I think that’s why we kept Bobby over Coop.”
Cooper is a career .265 hitter with 57 homers, 233 RBIs and a .759 OPS in 517 major league games over eight seasons with the Yankees, Marlins, Padres, Cubs and Red Sox. He was an All-Star in 2022.
