Nathan Eovaldi
The big signing so far this offseason for the Red Sox was made earlier on Thursday. World Series hero Nathan Eovaldi and the Sox agreed to a 4-year/$67.5 million deal. Eovaldi will have to pass a physical considering his history with Tommy John surgery, I’m not surprised with the condition.
I have Nathan in the third spot here as the top of the rotation has two southpaws and I want to break that up to avoid giving lineups a chance to get into a groove. This was Rick Porcello’s spot during the last two seasons and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s how Cora does it in 2019.
For me though, Nate is the guy for this position. With his ability to not only break 1000 mph but to maintain that velocity could be huge for this middle starter. Eovaldi had a strong showing for the Red Sox since arriving mid-season posting a 3-3 record and a 3.33 ERA. Strong numbers for a guy who didn’t pitch in 2017.
Eovaldi earned his spot in the hearts of every Red Sox fan with his desire to pitch every damn day he was allowed to. He would willingly start one day and then tell Cora he’d be in the pen the next night if he was needed. Never a hesitation, never a question. He was here to do whatever he needed to in order for the team to win.
His showing in game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers put his heart and soul on the line and he became just that for the Sox. He was supposed to pitch the next day but came in when Alex Cora needed him and pitched innings. Sadly the night ended when he gave up a walk-off home run. He earned the respect of his team and fans the world over with that showing.
I seem Nate in the starting rotation no matter what, especially with the investment the Red Sox made in him today, and I believe he more than earned the third man role.