Other paths:
It troubles me to write this because I like the guy a lot, but either he was hampered by injury all last year or he regressed. His lack of productivity left the window of opportunity open for Yolmer Sanchez. I don’t understand at this point why he would still be on the roster, save for depth in the instance Sanchez is dealt to leverage his marketability.
I felt like I saw Saladino lose confidence due to the down year to the degree he shaved the moustache! Maybe a new year brings back that back along with performance buoyed by the fresh start. My hunch is limited upside here which means he’ll end up in Charlotte or somewhere else.
See John Danks in 2016. A very likable guy who has the opportunity to mentor to the youngsters, but why in the world would the team give innings to him over Giolito, Lopez, Hansen or even Danish? Because the Sox have to either pay him to play or sit. The further through the season the team gets next year, the more likely the Sox will cut bait on ‘Big Game James’ or move him for anything they can get.