5 pitchers the Red Sox could sign and remain under the luxury tax

Boston could sign any of these five players without breaking the bank.

Aug 29, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen delivers a pitch during a game at Citizens Bank Park against the Los Angeles Angels / Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

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Mike Clevinger

Mike Clevinger would be a mid-rotation upgrade for the Red Sox, the same as Lorenzen would be. He is a better option than Lorenzen, however, and he wouldn't exactly be a bad fit for the Red Sox either.

He was stuck in purgatory on the Chicago White Sox last year, which is why the sneaky good season he had flew under the radar. He posted a 3.77 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 131.1 innings last season over 24 starts.

Clevinger's injury history does present a concern. He missed all but one start in July due to a bicep injury and also missed time early in the season with a wrist ailment. He's also just a few seasons removed from Tommy John surgery that kept him out for all of 2021.

Given the state of the Red Sox staff right now, they shouldn't be picky. He is coming off a solid year with the White Sox and would help bump Pivetta and Crawford down a spot in the rotation, which would only be a good thing.

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