BoSox halt contract talks with Bay for now

By foxsports
Published

The Red Sox and Jason Bay have suspended talks regarding a contract extension, general manager Theo Epstein said today.




Epstein described the talks as "amicable" but said, "It's not going to happen now."

Bay, an All-Star outfielder, is scheduled to become a free agent after this season. Epstein said he hopes to resume talks at that point.

The Red Sox acquired Bay in a trade with the Pirates at the middle of last season to replace Manny Ramirez. Bay played a big role in helping Boston reach the ALCS in 2008.

Bay, 31, is hitting .260 this season with 20 home runs and 72 RBIs.