Pearce is a free agent this winter after back and knee injuries limited him to just 29 games with the Red Sox in 2019, but that was enough for him to secure 10 years of big-league service time and the fully vested pension that comes with it. Set to turn 37 years old in April, Pearce isn't likely to earn anything more than a minor-league deal in free agency, so he'll step away from the game following a productive career as a short-side platoon man at first base, designated hitter and in the corner outfield. Pearce, who slugged 91 home runs and posted a 110 wRC+ across 766 games, is best known for his heroics in the 2018 postseason, when he earned World Series MVP honors for Boston.

Pearce, the reigning World Series MVP, has been limited to 29 games this season due to back and knee injuries.

This move clears a 40-man roster spot for Chris Owings, whose contract was purchased in a corresponding move. Pearce recently suffered a partially torn PCL while rehabbing a back injury. The partial tear will not require surgery but could mean the end of his 2019 campaign.

He seems to have suffered the injury while rehabbing his back injury. Pearce has been on the shelf since May 31 and may be done for the season after this latest setback, although he is still working to try to get back this year. He was in Boston this weekend to get treatment.