Former Red Sox star reportedly expected to opt out of contract and hit free agency

The search for quality starting pitching should be the Boston Red Sox's top priority this offseason. The rotation could benefit from including a veteran whose years of MLB knowledge could anchor Boston's relatively inexperienced staff.

Former Red Sox fan favorite Nathan Eovaldi could be a great option. He's proven he can meet the moment in Boston when he pitched four and a half seasons there from 2018-22.

In Dec. 2022, Eovaldi signed with the Texas Rangers and won his second World Series with them that season. His contract contains a vesting option that is contingent on the number of innings he pitches in his first two seasons in Texas, and he's nearing the magic number. Eovaldi gets access to the option if he pitches 300 innings between 2023-24, and he's at 296.

Experts have suggested that Eovaldi hopes to exercise his option to remain in Texas, his home state, next season. But CBS Sports' Mike Axisa believes the 34-year-old will test the waters in free agency before he decides where to sign.

The Red Sox should take advantage if Nathan Eovaldi decides to test free agency this offseason

Axisa believes Eovaldi will ultimately return to the Rangers after a stint in free agency, but the Red Sox could swoop in and get a deal done. The veteran has posted a 3.67 ERA with 150 strikeouts and 36 walks over 152 innings this season.

Boston could benefit from Eovaldi's consistency. While the Red Sox starters' success has fluctuated dramatically this season, the veteran has posted an ERA between 3.63 and 3.87 in the past four seasons. He does have a history of injuries, but if he can stay healthy, Eovaldi's stability would change the outlook of Boston's rotation.

Nick Pivetta is an impending free agent, Garrett Whitlock will be recovering from Tommy John surgery until the middle of the 2025 slate and there's no telling how Lucas Giolito will pitch after his rehab is complete. Eovaldi would be a reliable choice for the Red Sox's rather unpredictable rotation, and he would be less expensive than some of the other free-agent options, like Corbin Burnes, who's already been linked to the Sox a few times.

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