Red Sox 'Could Set Sights' On Reunion With Frontline Starter Entering Free Agency
The Boston Red Sox's offseason search for a general manager has been at the forefront of Boston media, but recent reports are starting to speculate there could be activity with player personnel in the near future.
The Red Sox are in an unfavorable position where pitching is much needed in all forms, meaning their search this offseason isn't limited to finding an available arm for just the bullpen or starting rotation; they need to upgrade both areas. This lack of pitching has led to numerous names being proposed as legitimate targets for the Red Sox.
"Pitchers like Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and Aaron Nola are destined for nine-figure contracts, but the Sox could perhaps set their sights on arms like Sonny Gray or old friend Eduardo Rodriguez." MLB Trade Rumors' Darragh McDonald wrote Monday. "Beyond them are veteran bounceback candidates like Marcus Stroman, Jack Flaherty or Lucas Giolito."
Rodriguez had an impressive 2023 season with the Detroit Tigers posting a 3.30 ERA with a 143-to-48 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .227 batting average against and 1.15 WHIP in 152 2/3 innings pitched across 26 games.
Rodriguez is expected to opt out of his current contract and enter free agency in just a few short weeks.
While the Red Sox are in desperate need of an ace, they also could benefit from adding players in the aforementioned Rodriguez/Gray tier. While I'd lean toward the latter, it would be fun to bring back a homegrown hurler to bolster the rotation as well.
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