Can Chris Sale find the magic to lead the Red Sox rotation?
The foundation will start with Chris Sale. That could be the top of the rotation for next season, with Sale on the books for $75 MM through 2025 if a vesting option kicks in. The contract is Sale’s to demonstrate some redemption after a multitude of injuries. This will be pure professional pride on Sale’s part for 2023.
If recovery magic happens and Sale returns to his pre-injury form, the Red Sox rotation has an ace. The question is can Sale adjust if that magic has depreciated a bit? Dipping into Red Sox history, I have a comparison.
Lefty Grove topped the American League in strikeouts seven straight seasons while pitching for the Athletics. Tom Yawkey bought Grove from the cash-strapped A’s, and Grove went 8-8, 6.50 in his first Boston season. Dead arm? Sore shoulder? Age? Take your pick or combine all three.
The following season Grove rebounded and nailed 20 wins and the first of four ERA titles with Boston. The flame-throwing was gone, but the pitching ability was not. Grove won 105 games for Boston and 300 for his Hall of Fame career. Grove adjusted, and so will Sale. If not just more dead money.