3 under-the-radar starting pitchers the Red Sox could sign this offseason

This offseason ushers in a new direction and a fresh leadership group for the Boston Red Sox.

After a frustrating year saw the Red Sox finish 78-84, it was clear they needed to make a change. Ownership fired Chaim Bloom and conducted an extensive (albeit heavily scrutinized) search for his replacement before settling on Craig Breslow to lead the baseball operations department.

Breslow is tasked with fixing several issues on the Red Sox’ roster, but there might be none more prevalent than the starting rotation. Boston’s rotation amassed a 4.45 FIP and 11.7 fWAR last season. Furthermore, the group struggled to get production out of its most-utilized arms. Nick Pivetta, who led the team with 170 innings, delivered a shaky 4.36 FIP and .304 BABIP.

While the Red Sox need to address their starting rotation, signing every big-name free agent simply isn’t attainable. Here are three under-the-radar rotation options that Breslow and his staff should pursue this winter.

Wade Miley

Miley will be 37 next season, but that doesn’t negate the fact that he has been a steady rotation option for several years. He has kept his ERA below 3.37 in each of the last three seasons, and he owns a sub-4.90 xFIP in all 13 of his major league campaigns.

In 2023, Miley made 23 starts, posting a 3.14 ERA, 46.3 percent ground-ball rate, and .234 BABIP. While his strikeout rate dropped and his home run rate increased, he cut his walk rate down to an impressive 2.84 BB/9 clip. He has consistently showcased his ability to find the strike zone and induce weak contact, making him a much-welcomed veteran addition to any rotation in baseball.

Miley is still at the point in his career where he doesn’t need to settle for a one-year deal. Don’t rule out the idea of Breslow, whose Cubs front office acquired Miley via waivers in 2022, making a push to sign the veteran southpaw.