Top Free Agent Starter Looking For Deal Red Sox Could Afford; Should Boston Make Move?

Should Boston make one more addition to the starting rotation?

Sep 8, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mike Clevinger (52) throws / David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Should the Boston Red Sox make another addition to the starting rotation?

Boston has been linked to a handful of hurlers but hasn't made another addition to the rotation since signing Lucas Giolito early in free agency.

The Red Sox's rotation has looked solid to begin the 2024 campaign but there still is room for growth. Boston has plenty of money left to spend and there still is a veteran available who could add some more depth if the club wanted to make one more addition.

Veteran starter Mike Clevinger somehow still is available and is looking for his next opportunity. He had a strong 2023 season with the Chicago White Sox but still is a free agent with Opening Day already behind us.

It's unclear where he will land, but he reportedly is looking for a deal around $5 million, according to USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale.

"The best pitcher on the market is Mike Clevinger, who was the White Sox’s best pitcher last year with a 9-9 record and 3.77 ERA," Nightengale said. "Clevinger, 33, has told teams that he is seeking a one-year contract in the same salary range of Michael Lorenzen’s $4.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers that includes $2.5 million in incentives."

If the Red Sox are looking to make another addition, Clevinger would make a lot of sense. Boston has been linked to him before and he wouldn't cost much. Boston still has some room in the payroll and Clevinger has a career 3.45 ERA in seven big league seasons. At this point, why not take a chance on him?

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