The Boston Red Sox have emerged as early winners in the 2024-25 offseason, thanks to Nick Pivetta's decision to decline their qualifying offer.
By rejecting the one-year, $21.05 million deal, Pivetta will now test the free-agent market. In return, the Red Sox will receive draft-pick compensation if he signs elsewhere. This strategic move by the Red Sox highlights their ability to maximize value. By extending the qualifying offer, they secured a potential asset in the form of a draft pick. With a strong core of starting pitchers, including Lucas Giolito, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Garrett Whitlock, the Red Sox are well-positioned for the upcoming season. However, they are still in the market for a left-handed starter to complement their rotation. Pivetta's departure opens up a spot in the rotation, and the Red Sox may explore both internal and external options to fill the void. Regardless of their approach, the team's strategy of extending the qualifying offer to Pivetta has proven to be a savvy move.
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The Boston Red Sox have announced several roster changes, designating right-handers Bryan Mata and Isaiah Campbell for assignment. These moves make room for pitchers Hunter Dobbins and Jhostynxon Garcia on the 40-man roster.
Bryan Mata, 25, was once a highly-regarded pitcher in the Red Sox system. The Venezuelan native showed promise in the low minors and earned a spot on the 40-man roster after the 2020 season. However, injuries have hindered his progress, including Tommy John surgery in 2021 and a hamstring strain this year. Mata pitched just 22 2/3 innings across four minor league levels in 2024, posting a 4.37 ERA. Despite his struggles, the Red Sox may seek to re-sign him to a minor league deal if he clears waivers. Isaiah Campbell, 27, was acquired from the Mariners last offseason in exchange for infielder Luis Urías. Campbell pitched only 6 2/3 innings for the Red Sox, allowing 13 runs. He missed much of the season due to a shoulder impingement and elbow inflammation. Despite his difficult year, Campbell had previously shown promise with a 2.83 ERA over 27 appearances as a rookie with the Mariners. By clearing these roster spots, the Red Sox have added Hunter Dobbins and Jhostynxon Garcia to their 40-man roster. Dobbins and Garcia are considered promising young pitchers and will be protected from the Rule 5 Draft. These additions reflect the Red Sox's strategy to develop and retain their top talent. These roster adjustments illustrate the Red Sox's ongoing efforts to balance their roster while protecting and nurturing emerging talent. Fans will be eager to see how Dobbins and Garcia progress in the upcoming season. The Boston Red Sox are set to bolster their roster by adding two promising players just before the Rule 5 protection deadline. According to Christopher Smith ofMassLive.comand Alex Speier of The Boston Globe, the Red Sox will be selecting the contracts of right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia. These are the only additions planned, and the team will need to clear two spots on their 40-man roster to make these moves official.
Hunter Dobbins, 25, was selected by the Red Sox in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft. Over the past season, Dobbins has made a significant impact by starting 21 games at the Double-A level and another four at Triple-A. He achieved a combined ERA of 3.08, with a 22.9% strikeout rate and a 9.2% walk rate. His impressive performance earned him the title of the organization's minor league starting pitcher of the season, and he is currently ranked 26th among the team's prospects by Baseball America. Dobbins brings a diverse pitching arsenal, including a fastball that averages 93-94 mph, along with a slider, splitter, and curveball. The addition of Jhostynxon Garcia reflects the team's commitment to nurturing and protecting their up-and-coming talent. The Red Sox are keen on securing their young prospects' futures, especially as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season. By making these strategic additions, the Red Sox aim to strengthen their roster depth and enhance their chances for success. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how these players develop and contribute at the major league level. The Boston Red Sox are making it a priority to strengthen their pitching rotation this winter. Among their targets are notable names such as Garrett Crochet, Max Fried, and former pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. Additionally, ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently mentioned that the Red Sox are in talks with Blake Snell, the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
Last offseason, the Red Sox showed some interest in Snell but prioritized other pitchers like Aaron Nola and Jordan Montgomery. Despite their efforts, the Sox did not secure any top-tier pitchers, even though Snell and Montgomery remained available deep into Spring Training. Currently, the Red Sox are likely exploring several pitching options, and reaching out to Snell is part of their due diligence. MLBTR’s Darragh McDonald and Anthony Franco even predicted that Snell might sign with Boston, projecting a five-year, $160 million contract. In recent years, the Red Sox have focused on developing their minor league system and making value signings rather than splashy deals. However, after three consecutive non-winning seasons, there's pressure on the front office to make a significant investment. Signing an ace like Snell would signal a serious commitment to winning and fulfill the team's need for a top pitcher. Last winter, Snell joined the Giants in mid-March after a delayed Spring Training led to a rough start. Despite this, he rebounded strongly, posting a 1.23 ERA over his final 14 starts. His performance led him to opt out of his contract, seeking a longer-term deal. Concerns about Snell’s durability persist, as he faced injuries and will turn 32 in December. However, this year he enters free agency without a qualifying offer, making him a more attractive option for teams looking to avoid draft pick compensation penalties. The Red Sox would need to give up significant assets to sign a qualified free agent, making Snell’s lack of qualifying offer status advantageous. Boston is also reportedly interested in position players like Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernandez, along with their pitching pursuits. Nick Pivetta is likely to reject Boston’s qualifying offer, potentially providing the Red Sox with a compensatory pick if he signs elsewhere. This all positions Snell as a compelling addition to Boston’s rotation, fulfilling a critical need for the team. The Boston Red Sox took a significant step in their pursuit of star outfielder Juan Soto by meeting with him and his representatives, including renowned agent Scott Boras, in Southern California on Thursday night. The three-hour meeting, reported by Sean McAdam of MassLive, was characterized as "productive" and served as an introductory and informative session. Importantly, discussions did not venture into specific financial terms or contract details.
A Historic Presentation Soto, one of the most sought-after talents in baseball, was reportedly "impressed" by Boston's presentation. The Red Sox showcased a video highlighting their storied history of star players from the Dominican Republic, Soto’s home country. This nod to their rich heritage was a strategic move, aimed at resonating with Soto on a personal level. Vision for the Future In addition to honoring their past, the Red Sox laid out an ambitious vision for the future. They detailed a promising pipeline of prospects who could potentially join forces with Soto to drive the team’s success in the coming years. This forward-looking approach is a critical aspect of Boston’s pitch, as they aim to build a competitive roster around the young phenom. Next Steps While this initial meeting set a positive tone, it is just the beginning of a series of discussions Soto is expected to have with multiple teams in Southern California over the next few days. The Red Sox will hope that their blend of historical reverence and future promise will set them apart in the competitive pursuit of Soto's signature. By fostering a connection with Soto and presenting a comprehensive plan for the future, the Red Sox have positioned themselves as serious contenders in the race to secure one of baseball’s brightest stars. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching as these negotiations unfold. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops and Soto continues his meetings with potential suitors. The Boston Red Sox have bolstered their bullpen by signing veteran left-handed reliever Justin Wilson to a one-year contract. With this addition, Boston's 40-man roster is now at full capacity. Wilson, represented by ACES, is guaranteed $2.25 million under the new deal, with potential incentives totaling an additional $750,000. He can earn $150,000 for reaching each of 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 appearances.
Career and Recent Performance Justin Wilson, 37, has an extensive track record in the majors, although recent years have seen him struggle with injuries. After returning from Tommy John surgery, Wilson pitched 46 2/3 innings for the Cincinnati Reds last year, ending the season with a 5.59 earned run average (ERA). Several factors contributed to these struggles, including an elevated average on balls in play and a high home run rate. The latter was significantly influenced by pitching in Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park, known for being exceptionally hitter-friendly. Seven out of the ten home runs Wilson allowed were at home, a testament to the park's impact on his stats. Encouraging Metrics Despite the disappointing ERA, Wilson's underlying metrics paint a more optimistic picture. He posted a 24.4% strikeout rate and a 6.2% walk rate, both better than the league average. His fastball velocity was impressive, averaging 95.5 mph—the second-highest mark of his career. His cutter also reached a career-high average velocity of 92.3 mph. Advanced metrics like xFIP (3.99) and SIERA (3.41), which account for normalized homer-to-flyball rates, suggest that Wilson could bounce back if he maintains his 2024 performance levels. Historical Success From 2015 to 2020, Wilson was one of the most reliable left-handed relievers in baseball. During that period, he played for the Yankees, Tigers, Cubs, and Mets, accumulating a 3.41 ERA over 291 innings in 344 games. He maintained a 28.2% strikeout rate and a 10.8% walk rate. His command in 2024 showed significant improvement compared to previous seasons, and his ability to generate strikeouts remained intact. Known for his late-inning prowess, Wilson has amassed 142 holds and 20 saves over his 12-year major league career. Looking Ahead The Red Sox are hopeful that Wilson can rebound and provide a reliable left-handed option out of the bullpen. If he can continue to pitch at the level suggested by his underlying metrics, Wilson could be a valuable asset for Boston in their quest for postseason success in 2025. Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers didn't hold back when addressing reporters on Tuesday, openly criticizing the team's roster construction during his media session.
When asked about his thoughts on the organization's lack of spending in the offseason, despite prior indications of being big spenders, Devers didn't mince words. "They [ownership] need to make changes to put us players in a better position to win," Devers asserted, conveying his message through an interpreter [via The Athletic]. "Everyone in this organization shares the desire to win, and as players, we're determined to win. I believe adjustments need to be made to support our collective goal of winning." “Everybody knows what we need. You know what we need and they know what we need. It’s just some things I can’t say. I'm not allowed.” Via a tweet from the club, the Red Sox have officially signed P Liam Hendricks to a 2-year deal with a mutual option for 2026.
Reports indicate the contract will start at $10 Million and go up with incentives. At 35 years old, Hendriks battled through stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a diagnosis he received during his time with the Chicago White Sox in the autumn of 2022. Following a triumphant completion of treatment, he made a comeback to the field on May 29, 2023. Unfortunately, his return was short-lived as he endured a torn ulnar collateral ligament after pitching in only five games. Throughout his 13-season tenure in Major League Baseball, Hendriks has showcased his pitching prowess across 476 games while representing the Twins, Royals, Athletics, and White Sox. His impressive resume includes three selections to the American League All-Star teams and two instances of receiving down-ballot votes for the Cy Young Award. Notably, he claimed the top spot in the AL for saves in 2021 with 38 under his belt. Accumulating 727 strikeouts in 650 innings throughout his career, Hendriks is recognized not only for his ability to miss bats but also for his vibrant and engaging personality. |
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