3 former Red Sox players the roster could desperately use in 2023
By Tim Boyle
2) The Red Sox roster could use Michael Wacha back
There were warning signs from Eovaldi and there had been some from Michael Wacha before he even landed in Boston. A bit of a strange coincidence, each pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays before joining the Red Sox. It’s not really relevant, though. What matters is how much Wacha could’ve turned the Red Sox rotation around right now.
After his five shutout innings against Boston on Sunday, Wacha is 9 starts deep into the season with a 5-1 record and 3.58 ERA. He was a rebound candidate on the Red Sox roster last year where he was 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA in 23 starts.
The reasons for letting Wacha leave are somewhat understandable. Before last season he put together three rough campaigns with a different team each season. The Red Sox were kind enough to give him a chance to rebuild his stock. He did and Boston moved on.
It has turned out to be a mistake. Along with signing Kluber, the Red Sox moved forward with a rotation of veterans and younger arms still trying to prove themselves. James Paxton, albeit through only two starts, has somehow been their best start. Multiple pitchers have ERAs over 6.00 which has added pressure to the offense to pick them up.
The starting rotation isn’t the only place of need. The Red Sox could also use another arm in the bullpen.