Red Sox Could Land Free Agent All-Star Hurler After Impressive Season
The Boston Red Sox still are looking for some help in the starting rotation.
Boston made an intriguing move earlier in the offseason and signed Lucas Giolito. He's certainly a bounce-back candidate and should be a major upgrade for Boston. The Red Sox still have work to do, though.
With each passing day, it seems less likely that Boston is going to spend big to land someone like Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell. But that doesn't mean the club can't improve the rotation.
There still are some other intriguing hurlers available with upside. One player whose market is starting to pick up is former Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, and Philadelphia Phillies hurler Michael Lorenzen.
Lorenzen spent much of the early part of his career as a reliever but fully transitioned into a starting role in 2022. The 32-year-old impressed in 2023 with the Tigers and earned his first All-Star nod before being traded to Philadelphia.
The 32-year-old made 18 starts with Detroit and logged a 3.58 ERA and had an 83-to-27 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 105 2/3 innings pitched. He struggled after joining the Phillies but did throw a no-hitter.
It's unclear where he will land, but his market is starting to pick up and the Red Sox could be an option for him, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
"The (Minnesota Twins), (San Diego Padres), Red Sox, and Angels are considering the starter market," Heyman said. "Things are heating up for 2023 All-Star Mike Lorenzen, with those teams possible landing spots."
While this doesn't necessarily mean the Red Sox will end up signing Lorenzen, he could be an interesting option.
More MLB: Red Sox Pegged As Top Landing Spot For Ex-Giants Hurler After Strong Season