MLB Insider: Red Sox 'stepping up their efforts' to sign this free agent pitcher

The Boston Red Sox appear to be closing in on a starting pitcher. With the MLB Winter Meetings in full swing, the Boston faithful are hopeful to see the organization emerge later this week with at least one starter to help bolster the team's rotation.

These latest Red Sox rumors would suggest just that. According to MLB Insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Red Sox are stepping up their efforts to sign Seth Lugo.

But Heyman was quick to point out that Boston is not alone in their pursuit of the free agent hurler. The Atlanta Braves are among at least four other teams who are looking to sign Lugo.

Red Sox rumors: Boston stepping up efforts to sign Seth Lugo

Seth Lugo is a name that's gained traction in recent days, and would seem to be a good fit for the Boston Red Sox. While most of Lugo's career has seen the right-hander coming out of the bullpen, he proved last season that he's a capable starting pitcher.

Lugo was 8-7 with a 3.57 ERA and 140 punchouts in just over 146 innings pitched. The 34-year-old kept the base paths relatively clear, walking just 36 batters all season. Over the past three seasons, Lugo has appeared in 134 games and owns a 3.56 ERA, 3.80 FIP, and 113 ERA+. This would be a solid addition to the Red Sox rotation.

The righty has drawn a lot of attention lately, with FanSided's Robert Murray revealing this past week on Foul Territory that Lugo has had more than half the league check in on him.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, it's expected that Lugo could ink a three-year/$42-million contract. Murray had mentioned previously that Lugo was likely to be fielding three and four-year offers.

As the conversations at the MLB Winter Meetings continue to produce some juicy Red Sox rumors, the Boston fanbase is waiting on pins and needles for Craig Breslow to make his first major acquisition since taking over the as the club's top executive. Could this be the mirror image of last season's Zach Eflin contract, except with Boston coming out on top this time?