Red Sox: 5 free agent pitchers who can replace Eduardo Rodriguez
By Sean Penney
The Boston Red Sox have a void to fill in their starting rotation
Eduardo Rodriguez signed a free agent deal with the Detroit Tigers this week, leaving a hole in the middle of the Boston Red Sox rotation.
Chris Sale, Nathan Eovaldi and Nick Pivetta are currently locked into their starting roles. Boston could fill out the rotation internally with Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock. While the upside of both young pitchers is appealing, the versatile role they provided from the bullpen last season was invaluable. The Red Sox should keep one of them in that role where they have the flexibility to handle multiple innings or record key outs late in games while still maintaining the ability to spot start when necessary.
Every team needs more than five starters to get through the grind of the regular season, making it vital that they stockpile depth. Houck and Whitlock should both get opportunities to start next season regardless of the role they are assigned on Opening Day. The Red Sox still need to add at least one starting pitcher to replace Rodriguez.
While the trade market is always an option to explore, there are several free agent starters who should be on Boston’s radar.
Max Scherzer will be the most coveted pitcher in free agency. While the 37-year-old won’t get the biggest contract this winter, a short-term deal would still be expensive on an average annual basis. The three-time Cy Young award winner may very well be worth the price but considering the bounty surrendered to acquire him at the trade deadline, it’s hard to imagine the Los Angeles Dodgers allowing anyone to outbid them.
There are plenty of back of the rotation arms available. We know Chaim Bloom has a habit of bargain hunting but targeting a starter who is viewed a significant downgrade from Rodriguez would be an underwhelming reaction to losing their No. 3 starter. We’re looking at realistic options the Red Sox should target who can join Sale and Eovaldi to assemble a formidable trio at the top of the rotation.