This off-season was a critical time for the Boston Red Sox with one of their biggest focuses being the starting pitching lineup.
In early December, the Red Sox were at their busiest to inquire about their key pitchers.
They were talking to multiple free agents as well as multiple teams about trading their star pitchers.
One of the pitchers they have talked to is two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion Nathan Eovaldi, according to WEEI’s Rob Bradford. Eovaldi had six teams he was talking to, but the Red Sox were among the final teams he was potentially looking to join.
After much talk in the off-season, Eovaldi chose to re-sign with the Texas Rangers on a three-year, $75 million deal on Dec. 10.
Eovaldi had an All-Star season in 2023 by accounting for an ERA of 3.63 while delivering 132 strikeouts. He had just as efficient a performance last year despite the Rangers struggling.
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) throws during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Red Sox weren’t hesitant to find another candidate for the top starting pitching for this season. A day after Eovaldi re-signed with the Rangers, Boston created a trade package with the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Garrett Crochet.
The Red Sox weren’t finished adding pitchers to their starting lineup after Crochet. The Red Sox signed former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and two-time All-Star Walker Buehler to a one-year, $21.05 million deal on Dec. 28.
There is some risk with Crochet and Buehler, mostly them being on one-year deals and having the possibility of leaving after the season. The Red Sox are confident in both of the players re-signing either at the end of the season or throughout the season.
At the same time, Eovaldi is 35 years old and the Red Sox acquired two younger pitchers in Crochet (29) and Buehler (30).
