AL East Rival Recently DFA'd Intriguing Hurler; Should Red Sox Take Chance To Add Depth?

The Boston Red Sox have looked good so far this season, but adding more depth could never hurt.

Boston put a specific effort into improving its bullpen this past offseason and it has already started working out. The Red Sox acquired three-time All-Star Kenley Jansen and lefty Chris Martin and both have thrived. Boston signed Joely Rodriguez but he has missed time due to injury but should be back shortly. Josh Winckowski and Kutter Crawford have taken a step forward, and the Red Sox's bullpen is formidable.

Although the Red Sox have already had some success, the club could always use another depth either at the big league level or waiting in the minor leagues for a call-up. One player who could fit this description well is right-handed hurler and journeyman Chase Anderson.

Anderson signed with the Tampa Bay Rays ahead of the 2023 season and although compiled a 0.00 ERA in two appearances, recently was designated for assignment to make room for former Red Sox hurler Jake Diekman.

The 35-year-old is a 10-year veteran and has spent time with the Rays, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, and Cincinnati Reds throughout his career. Although he mainly was a starting pitcher, he has transitioned slowly into a bullpen role over the last few years and could be most effective there.

At one point he was a very solid starter and compiled a 2.74 ERA in 25 starts for the Brewers in 2017, but he hasn't had an ERA below 6.00 since 2019. He may not have much of an impact at the big league level this season, but he certainly is worth at least a minor league contract to see if he can continue to develop into an effective relief pitcher. If he could be another depth option for a team like the Red Sox, it certainly would be helpful. Boston's bullpen has greatly improved, but the club has dealt with a plethora of injuries so adding another veteran depth piece wouldn't hurt in the slightest.

After being designated for assignment, the Rays have one week to either trade Anderson or see if a team claims him off waivers. If neither of those two things happens, he will become a free agent and can be signed by anyone.

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