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Despite reports in late September that he was considering retirement, soon-to-be free agent catcher David Ross will play next season, according to a major league source. Ross wants to play one or two more seasons in the major leagues, sources say.
There has been communication between Ross and the Red Sox about a reunion for next season, and the door remains open for the veteran to return to Boston, according to sources.
Ross, who turns 38 in March, will hit the open market as he comes to the end of the two-year, $6.2 million contract that he signed with the Red Sox before the 2013 season. He hit .184/.260/.368 in 50 games in an injury-shortened season for Boston, but was said to be a key clubhouse piece throughout the last two seasons due to his strong relationships with the pitching staff.
The Red Sox could welcome Ross back as a mentor for young catchers Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart, who are viewed as the backstops of the future in Boston. Other teams who could show interest include the Rays, Rangers and Pirates, all who could be looking to add veteran catching depth this winter.
In thirteen seasons with the Dodgers (2002-2004), Pirates (2005), Padres (2005), Reds (2006-2008), Braves (2009-2012) and Red Sox (2008, 2013-2014), Ross is a lifetime .233/.318/.435 hitter with 95 home runs and 273 RBI.