Red Sox: 5 starting pitchers to target in pursuit of depth
There was a time when Fister was one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball. Between 2011-2014, he averaged 188 IP, 135 strikeouts, just 36 walks, a 3.11 ERA, and 129 ERA+. Despite those numbers, he never made an all-star team and appeared on the Cy Young ballot just once, finishing eighth in 2014.
He played for the Houston Astros last season, after signing a one-year $7 million deal. In 180.1 innings, he posted a 4.64 ERA, 1.425 WHIP, 5.7 K/9 and allowed 24 home runs. Once a control artist, Fister struggled with a BB/9 of 3.1, a career high. He’s never been the type to strikeout a lot of batters, so his increased walk rate and newfound proclivity to give up homers have made him a long-shot to land on a major league roster.
Nevertheless, his career track record could prove enticing to the Red Sox. His recent struggles stand out when compared to his overall big league experience and he wouldn’t command anything more than a one-year deal. Of anyone free-agent starter available, he likely has the highest ceiling.