Red Sox non-tender Marco Hernandez, Josh Osich

The Red Sox tendered contracts to most of the unsigned players on their roster by Monday's 8 p.m. deadline — with two exceptions.

Infielder Marco Hernandez and lefty reliever Josh Osich were non-tendered, making them free agents.

However, an industry source noted that the Red Sox have interest in retaining both players and were hopeful of reaching deals at lesser salaries.

Hernandez was projected to make $700,000 in his first year of salary arbitration eligibility, while Osich, obtained on a waiver claim last month, stood to earn $1 million in arbitration.



Hernandez, who missed most of the previous two seasons and underwent three shoulder surgeries, returned in 2019 to hit .250 with a .279 with a .338 slugging percentage. He hit five homers and knocked in 11 runs while appearing in 61 games, most (48) at second base where he made 29 starts.

By non-tendering him, the Sox could save a little money under a restructured deal which could be a split-deal with a lesser salary if he has to be sent to Triple-A Pawtucket. With Brock Holt a free agent, the Red Sox only have Michael Chavis available as a healthy option at second base.

Dustin Pedroia, who has played just nine games in the last two seasons due to chronic knee issues, has said he hopes to continue his career, but can hardly be counted on by the club.

Meanwhile, Osich would be a candidate to win a spot in the bullpen, having limited left-handed hitters to a .171 batting average last year. But again, the Sox could gain some modest savings and roster flexibility by signing him to a lesser deal.

Earlier in the day, the Philadelphia Phillies claimed righthander Trevor Kelley on waivers. Kelley, a Rhode Island native, made his major league debut in September in Toronto and appeared in 10 games, going 0-3 with an 8.84 ERA.

Kelley's claim — and a trade which sent veteran backup catcher Sandy Leon to Cleveland — left the Red Sox with 34 players on their 40-man roster.