Orioles Linked To Ex-Red Sox Veteran After Solid Season Possibly Ending Reunion Hopes

It sounds like the Orioles may end up landing a former Red Sox veteran this offseason

This offseason has been extremely slow.

Free agency hasn't moved at a pace as it has in previous years and although Spring Training is quickly approaching, there still are plenty of intriguing options available. 

The Boston Red Sox are a club still very active and looking to add to the roster. Boston needs to fortify its starting rotation and could still use two hurlers. The Red Sox likely need a frontline arm as well as a depth piece.

A reunion with James Paxton has been floated and would make a lot of sense, but Boston will have some competition if it wants to bring the veteran back to town. One team that could be a fit for Paxton is the rival Baltimore Orioles, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

"All would not be lost if the Orioles entered the season with a front four of Kyle Bradish, Grayson Rodriguez, John Means, and Dean Kremer," Rosenthal said. "General manager Mike Elias could supplement that group with a second-tier free agent such as James Paxton, Michael Lorenzen, Mike Clevinger, or Hyun Jin-Ryu.

"He also could strengthen a bullpen he already has reinforced by signing free agent Craig Kimbrel to replace Félix Bautista, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. The remaining free-agent relievers include Aroldis Chapman, Robert Stephenson, Hector Neris, Ryan Brasier, and John Brebbia."

Paxton has spent the last two seasons with the Red Sox and returned to the mound in 2023 after dealing with a plethora of injuries. He impressed with Boston and has been mentioned as a possible fit for a handful of teams at this point. It wouldn't be too surprising to see him sign soon and it sounds like Baltimore could be an option.

More MLB: Red Sox Rival Reportedly Could Swoop In, Land Rumored Boston Target