Martin Perez: Becomes free agent

The Red Sox have declined Perez's $6 million option for 2022, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The lefty flashed competence at times in 2021 but struggled overall, pitching to a 4.74 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 114 innings. Perez made 22 starts before moving to the bullpen, where he worked as a mop-up reliever trusted with only the lowest-leverage situations. He'll be 31 years old next season and figures to find a home as a back-end starter or reliever, albeit with a reduced salary.