Predicting the 2022 Red Sox starting rotation
As we’re a few short weeks away from when pitchers and catchers are supposed to show up to kick off spring training, it’s time to start looking at what the Red Sox may put together for their starting rotation. Obviously, the elephant in the room is this beyond annoying lockout that we’re all dealing with but I’m going to be hopeful that camps start relatively on time.
For the first time since 2018 Boston had a relatively healthy rotation with Alex Cora often marching out the same names every fifth day. Though we saw some shuffling as the season was coming to a close the names in the lineup didn’t change due to health reasons. This year will also mark the first time Chris Sale will be ready to go on Opening Day since 2019, an athletic eternity.
Before the lockout went into effect the Red Sox did pick up a bushel of starting pitchers from the free-agent market in Rich Hill, James Paxton, and Michael Wacha. Boston has just one true empty slot in the rotation the fill so Chaim Bloom is filling the ring and will let ’em fight for it. With the foundation set, let’s take a look at what the rotation order and overall shape may look like.