As discussed yesterday, there is currently a spirited open competition between Jeff Bailey, Chris Carter, Paul McAnulty and Brad Wilkerson for the role of the Red Sox’ fifth outfielder, a job that is vacant through at least the end of April as outfielder Mark Kotsay recovers from back surgery.

One additional item worth mentioning: both Bailey and Wilkerson have opt-out clauses should the Red Sox not purchase their contracts by specified dates. That being the case, here is a revised list of the contract status of all four players:

• Bailey can opt out of his contract and become a free agent if he has not been called up by July 15.
• Carter is a member of the 40-man roster, and so will remain under Red Sox control whether or not he is in the majors or in Triple-A.
• McAnulty does not have an out clause.
• Wilkerson has two outs: one on April 1, another on June 15.

3 Comments for “Opting Out of the ‘Kotsay Competition’”

1. Jay Says:
   March 4th, 2009 at 1:41 pm

   Chris Carter would have to pass through waivers if sent down no? Is that also the case for Bailey?

2. EP Says:
   March 4th, 2009 at 2:32 pm

   Neither needs to pass through waivers. Carter is on the 40-man and has options, and Bailey signed a minor league deal after clearing waivers earlier this season.

3. Alex Speier Says:
   March 4th, 2009 at 5:13 pm

   EP is correct – Carter has two options left, so would not need to clear waivers. So long as Wilkerson doesn’t use his opt-out on April 1, the Sox could assign him to a minor-league team to start the year, just as they can with Bailey and McAnulty, who are, like Wilkerson, signed to minor-league deals.

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