Ex-Astros Starter Hosted Throwing Session For Clubs; Red Sox Are Intriguing Landing Spot
The Boston Red Sox need to get creative throughout the rest of the offseason.
Boston's starting rotation still needs a boost. Landing a frontline starter like Jordan Montgomery would be the best-case scenario, but a depth move is more likely.
There still are some very intriguing hurlers available who could make sense. It's unclear exactly what the club will do, but it's clear that the Red Sox need to make at least another move.
A hurler with upside is looking for his next opportunity and Boston could make sense as a landing spot. Former All-Star Jake Odorizzi missed the 2023 season but recently threw in front of scouts from multiple clubs, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
"Free agent (right-handed pitcher) Jake Odorizzi, an All-Star starter in 2019, is throwing without restrictions and looking to sign a major league deal in the coming weeks," Morosi said. "Odorizzi, 33, has pitched off the mound this offseason in front of evaluators from 10 to 12 teams."
The 33-year-old was an All-Star with the Minnesota Twins in 2019 and has shown flashes at the big league level. He is an 11-year big league veteran and has spent time with the Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Rays, Twins, Houston Astros, and Atlanta Braves throughout his career.
If he's fully healthy, he could be an intriguing back-of-the-rotation pickup for Boston. He has a career 3.99 ERA across 241 total appearances. He last pitched and had a 4.40 ERA in 22 appearances with the Astros and Braves. Odorizzi made 12 starts with the Astros in 2022 and had a 3.75 ERA and 46-to-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio before being traded to Atlanta.
If the Red Sox end up missing out on someone like Montgomery, why not take a chance on Odorizzi?
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