All-Star Pitcher Threw Bullpen Session, As Red Sox Officially Sign Him To Help Tackle Errors
Could the Boston Red Sox make one more addition before Opening Day?
Boston’s biggest addition to the starting rotation this offseason certainly was former All-Star Lucas Giolito but he will miss the 2024 season due to injury.
The Red Sox are thin in rotation depth and could use at least one more addition before the 2024 campaign kicks off.
It seems like Boston doesn’t want to make a large investment in someone like Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery but there are other players available who could be added without breaking the bank.
One of the most intriguing players still available in free agency is 2023 All-Star Michael Lorenzen. The veteran righty was impressive in 2023 with the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies but still is available.
It’s unclear where he will land, but he threw a bullpen Sunday for clubs, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
“Free-agent (right-handed pitcher) Michael Lorenzen threw 70 pitches yesterday, getting up and down four times, hitting 94 to 96 mph with his fastball, according to a report viewed by The Athletic,” Rosenthal said.
Lorenzen had a 4.18 ERA in 29 total appearances last season but was most impressive with the Tigers before being traded. He had a 3.58 ERA in his first 18 starts and if he could pitch at that level in 2024, could be a solid option for Boston.
The Red Sox’s offense and bullpen both seem to be in good shape, but the rotation needs a boost. Why not sign the veteran righty?
The Red Sox’s search for an ace starting pitcher this offseason was not, of course, much of a search at all. The team signed Lucas Giolito from the Nationals in January to an incentive-laced deal that could have run up to three years, but he’s already out for the 2024 season with elbow surgery. Giolito was not much of an ace to begin with, but now the Red Sox are without a real No. 1 starter at all.
What to do? Well, there is a chance that a stale winter rumor could yet be revived. Three months ago, the Red Sox were frequently connected with Marlins lefty Jesus Luzardo, who is 26 years old and still two years away from hitting unrestricted free agency.
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And while many players might be reluctant to join an increasingly moribund bunch in Boston, according to Boston Globe beat writer Julian McWilliams, Luzardo is an exception. He has spent the entirety of his MLB career playing for tough markets in Oakland and Miami, so suiting up for a well-attended team like the Red Sox would certainly garner his interest, should the Red Sox look to put together a trade package for him.
