Jason Varitek is trying to make a very tough decision.

“He’s deliberating what he wants to do,’’ said his agent, Scott Boras.

And that deliberation has to include the very difficult reality of possible retirement.

Varitek will be 40 years old on April 11. In his heart, he believes he can still play. His body feels as good as it has in a long time. So why quit now?

That probably is his mind-set, but the reality is that there is no room on the Red Sox roster for him. The team has committed to Jarrod Saltalamacchia as the No. 1 catcher. The Sox have signed veteran Kelly Shoppach, who has a strong arm. They have prospect Ryan Lavarnway itching to win a major league job.

And then there is Varitek.

Could he come to spring training as a nonroster player and win a job, or be ready in case one of the others gets hurt? Of course.

Could he summon the desire to play for another team?

There is no doubt what Varitek brings to the table. His knowledge of his pitchers and game plans are unparalleled.

If you need someone to straighten out a staff, he’s the guy. If you need someone to mentor a young catcher, he’s the one.

One of the few places he would seem to fit is Minnesota, where Joe Mauer will need time to DH and rest. Ryan Doumit will be a DH most of the time and back up Mauer, but the Twins will likely carry three catchers.

But there is his legacy to think about.

Varitek came from the Mariners organization, but he never played for the Mariners. He has spent his entire major league career with the Red Sox. He has been their captain, their leader on the field. He has groomed pitchers and taken charge of games much as Carlton Fisk did before him.