The Boston Red Sox haven't made as many major changes as fans were expecting this winter, but they've been doing a lot of shuffling of lower-profile players.
The Red Sox have lost a fair few pitchers this offseason through free agency and trades — think Chris Sale and James Paxton — and they added some recent pitching depth to bolster the rotation since there are so many relievers building up as starters.
Boston has signed former Mets first-round pick and 2016 American League Rookie of the Year Michael Fulmer, reported by Mike Mayer for Metsmerized. The right-hander began his career as a starter but transitioned to more of a bullpen presence in later years — relievers with starting pitching experience are Boston's specialty for the coming season.
Fulmer has been signed to a two-year minor-league deal after he underwent Tommy John surgery this winter. He is not expected to pitch in 2024. Fulmer is a career 3.94 ERA pitcher who most recently played for the Cubs. In 2023, he made 58 appearances, logging 57 innings and fanning 65 batters.
Red Sox reportedly sign former American League Rookie of the Year Michael Fulmer https://t.co/IrzjEEfSUu #RedSox pic.twitter.com/Qlw3yJpIvc
— WEEI (@WEEI) February 8, 2024
Despite the terms of his contract not yet being released, signing Fulmer was a good decision with Kenley Jansen on the trade block and Chris Martin becoming a free agent at the end of the 2024 season.
There's more, though.
Red Sox sign Michael Fulmer and Dalton Guthrie, lose Max Castillo and Zack Weiss
On Jan. 2, the Red Sox claimed former Royals pitcher Max Castillo off waivers. He was designated for assignment just one month later when Boston traded for former Mets catcher Tyler Heineman.
Castillo has already found himself with a new club. On Feb. 7, the Phillies picked him up and DFA'd outfielder Simon Muzziotti in exchange.
The 24-year-old made his MLB debut in 2022 but spent most of his 2023 season with Triple-A Omaha, where he made 21 starts and pitched to a 4.58 ERA.
The Twins also snatched up a Sox depth arm in Zack Weiss, another player DFA'd to make room for Heineman on the roster. Weiss appeared for both the Red Sox and the Angels in 2023, his short tenure in Boston being the better of the two. He logged a 2.08 ERA in 8.2 innings for Boston, during which he allowed four walks and tossed eight strikeouts.
The Sox also acquired a former Phillie. Dalton Guthrie, a former Philadelphia utility player, has been signed to a minor-league deal, per Boston's transactions log.
Newly acquired Red Sox UT Dalton Guthrie’s first HR. pic.twitter.com/IGiM8KDR4x
— G.G. (@ggeiss_mlb) February 7, 2024
Guthrie made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 2022 and appeared in 14 games. The 28-year-old boasts defensive versatility, as he's played second and third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions over the course of his career. He's appeared in a total of 37 major league games and batted .244/.393/.333.
Guthrie will likely spend the majority of his season in Triple-A Worcester with the possibility to see some major-league innings, if his season goes well.