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5 former Red Sox eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot in 2023

By Sean Penney

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) John Lackey #41 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 29, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 8-5. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 29: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) John Lackey #41 of the Boston Red Sox in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 29, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 8-5. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo
SAN FRANCISCO – JUNE 20: Bronson Arroyo #61 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the MLB game against the San Francisco Giants at SBC Park on June 20, 2004 in San Francisco, California. The Giants defeated the Red Sox 4-0. (Photo by Don Smith/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo

Years with Red Sox: 2003-2005 (73 games)
HOFm score: 15

The Red Sox claimed Bronson Arroyo off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2003 and he made six appearances out of the bullpen near the end of that season. He moved into the rotation the following year, posting a 4.03 ERA in 32 appearances (29 starts).

Arroyo was a part of the curse-breaking club that snapped an 86-year title drought in 2004. One of the most infamous moments of that postseason involved Arroyo, when Yankees star Alex Rodriguez slapped the ball out of his glove while racing to first base. A-Rod was ultimately ruled out on the play and was skewered by fans and the media for his embarrassing actions.

Arroyo had another solid season in 2005, going 14-10 with a 4.51 ERA while logging over 200 innings.

Boston traded Arroyo to the Cincinnati Reds for Wily Mo Pena after the 2005 season. It turned out to be a regrettable deal since Pena never lived up to the potential of his enticing power while Arroyo broke out with a career year with the Reds, posting a 3.39 ERA while leading the league in innings pitched and earning an All-Star appearance.

Arroyo finished his 16-year career with a 148-137 record and 4.28 ERA. He was never an ace but an innings-eater who topped 200 innings eight times while producing a winning record has value to any team.

He’s not going to be in the Hall of Fame but the Red Sox still shouldn’t have traded him.

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