3 Red Sox players that should be re-signed before free agency arrives

Red Sox SP: Michael Wacha

The last on my list is right-hander Michael Wacha, who Boston signed at $7 MM for one season. This is the risk since it is pitching, and collectively we remember the early reward to Matt Barnes and how that worked out.

Wacha has been solid despite being a metrics outlier. Nothing jumps out, but the results are that Wacha produces outs and is as gritty as they come on the hill. My concern is just how fragile Wacha is? The soon-to-be 31-year-old will be much sought after if he continues to succeed. I’d pass.

Boston has surprising depth in the rotation with James Paxton and Chris Sale, hopefully fully recovered by 2023. Tanner Houck has shown promise. The minors have a sudden hot shot, Brayan Bello, returning Bryan Mata, and promising Brandon Walter. Lot of “Killer B’s” in the minors.

Going deeper into the system, Josh Winckowski had a recent spot start, and Connor Seabold had a taste of “The Show” in 2021 and has been outstanding in the International League. With the potential of Eovaldi leaving, possibly Wacha and Rich Hill, Boston’s system might finally be ready to have some productive starters surface.

So the next time Chaim Bloom gives me a call for advice, I’ll tell him to concentrate on Hernández and Vázquez since it is both good for the team and PR. Neither will break the bank, and both have earned another contract. If he finishes out the season how it’s gone to this point, I’ll recommend a deal for Wacha, but we have to see how 2022 ends first.