Re-Grading every Red Sox offseason move two months in

Red Sox sign Jake Diekman to a 2-year, $7 million deal

In an up-and-down Red Sox season, Jake Diekman has embodied that inconsistency. On some nights, like his opening weekend domination of the Yankees, he simply overwhelms hitters with his fastball/slider combinations. On other nights, his poor control leads to crowded bases, and his gopher ball tendencies allow those runners to score in bunches.

The overall product, however, is pretty much in line with who Diekman has been throughout his career. His career ERA is 3.72. His ERA this season is 3.50. His career H/9 is 7.3. His H/9 this season in 7.5. His career K/9 in 12.5. His K/9 this year is 13.5. We are not learning anything new about Diekman this year: He is the same talented but flawed pitcher who he has always been.

There are certain parts of Diekman’s game, however, that hint at something more in the tank. The advanced metrics are very impressive, including ranking 93rd in the league in whiff% and 82nd in xBA. His slider is one of the best in the game, holding batters to a .100 batting average, .200 slugging percentage, and a 40.6 whiff rate. He’s effective against opposite side hitters, as righties slug just .280 and have an OPS of just .601 against.

Diekman’s control issues will always hold him back from elite status, but the Red Sox were able to get one of their best relievers for just $7 million over two years. That’s a win in my book.

Grade: B