Martin Perez was Boston's most reliable pitcher this past season, going 3-5 with a 4.50 ERA in 12 starts. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Red Sox decline to pick up 2021 contract option on Martin Perez

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/1/20

Martin Perez officially is a free agent, marking the end of his short tenure with the Boston Red Sox.

The Red Sox announced Sunday they declined to pick up Perez's $6.25 million option for the 2021 season and instead bought him out for $500,000.

The #RedSox today declined the 2021 contract option on LHP Martín Pérez.

The club’s 40-man roster is now at 36.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) November 1, 2020

Perez was Boston's most reliable pitcher this past season, going 3-5 with a 4.50 ERA in 12 starts. He was relied more heavily upon than anticipated following Eduardo Rodriguez's COVID-19 diagnosis and Nathan Eovaldi's struggles with injury.

Free agency began at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday. Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez opted into his player option for 2021 while Jose Peraza elected for free agency.

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