Final Verdict
Some could argue that letting Pedro leave was a big mistake but, after taking a look at his numbers, you’re looking at one good season mixed in with two sub-par seasons and one injury plagued season. The Red Sox made the right move in not re-signing or trading Pedro mid-season in 2004.
Pedro Martinez was able to finally get a ring for the Red Sox, the first for Boston in 86 years. His legacy was further cemented in Red Sox history on July 28th 2015 when Pedro’s number 45 was officially retired.
Buchholz on the other hand ended up having many highs and lows in Boston. After his spectacular 2007 no-hitter, there were more stints on the disabled list than moments of glory.
The one thing that both pitchers have in common, they each were members of a World Series squad (2004 and 2013). Buchholz only topped 10 wins three times with his best statistical season coming in 2010. Buchholz posted a 17-7 record with a 2.33 ERA and getting 120 K’s in 173 2/3 innings pitched. He also finished 6th in the Cy Young voting the only year he was truly considered for the award.
Next: What if Jeff Bagwell never got traded to Houston Astros?
Last off, Pedro was paid $92 million over seven seasons in Boston. He would have theoretically received $54 million over the next four years alone. Buchholz was paid just over $56.5 million for a decade of service in Boston. In the end, it’ll be hard to see this as anything short of being a brilliant decision by Red Sox management.
Stay tuned and keep it locked for the next “What If” article coming in a few weeks.