4 best last resorts still available for Red Sox in free agency

Alex Wood - LHP

The Red Sox need a left-handed starter in the rotation to shake up the all-righty roster they have going now. Wood, a veteran hurler who most recently played with San Francisco, could be a fine choice for the final starting pitching role.

At the beginning of his career, Wood was a consistent sub-4.00 ERA pitcher. As he's aged — he turns 33 on Jan. 12 — his consistency has waned, though. Wood only pitched 97 innings with the Giants in 2023, not enough to completely fill the last hole in the Sox's rotation. In his 97 innings, he racked up only 74 strikeouts and allowed 98 hits, 52 runs and 48 walks.

Wood has previously worked with Boston's new pitching coach, Andrew Bailey. The two were together in San Francisco since 2021 and could be reunited for a fourth season. Maybe Wood and Bailey's history could result in some quality output for the Red Sox.

Overall, Wood is far from the best choice for Boston to fix its rotation. But a veteran lefty is better than nothing. He can pitch out of the bullpen, too, which would come in handy as the season drags on.