Red Sox SP: Nathan Eovaldi
Nathan Eovaldi has been a massive success with the Red Sox, something that I think none of us expected back when he came over in 2018. As we’re making our way to spring training, the fireballer from Texas has been the rock of the starting rotation the last two seasons. He earned his stripes in the ’18 Postseason but would run into injury setbacks in 2019.
COVID ruled the 2020 season but it was Evo that stepped up huge for Boston as the team would be without Chris Sale, Eduardo Rodriguez, and David Price. He would follow that effort up by having the best year of his career in 2021 that saw him finish fourth in the AL Cy Young voting. I also tagged him with the task of a ‘Bold Prediction’ to win the award in 2022.
At the time of his extension, it felt like way too much money for a guy that has never seen any real success and had two Tommy John’s under his belt. Somehow he’s turned that into one hell of a run, and much like Martinez, he’ll be looking for that one final contract before he rides off into the sun.
Nasty Nate finished 2021 with a 3.75 ERA, an AL-leading 2.79 FIP, and an MLB leading 1.7 BB/9 on his way to his first All-Star selection. He also led the American League with 32 starts through 182.1 innings of work for the Red Sox. I think it’s safe to say he’s more than earned the contract he was given and if 2022 is anything like this past season, then he deserves whatever he earns next.