2012 MLB Free Agents: Red Sox Sign Vicente Padilla
By Editorial Staff
Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington has added another low-cost arm, as it’s been reported that Boston has agreed to a minor league contract with right-hander Vicente Padilla. The new deal is worth $1.5 million, and Padilla has the opportunity to increase that amount to $4.5 million if he’s able to meet built-in performance bonuses.
The Red Sox have been tied to Padilla over the past few days, and it’s been reported several times that sides were nearing a deal. The 34-year-old joins the mix of affordable arms that will be competing for Boston’s final rotation spots including Aaron Cook and Carlos Silva.
Last season Padilla was unable to start any games at the major league level, only appearing in 8 2/3 innings of relief with the Dodgers. The last time Padilla started a big league contest was back in 2010.
But interest has been rising in Padilla this winter, as the right-hander’s been pitching in Nicaragua to prove healthy. Not only has Padilla accomplished this, but it’s been reported that he’s throwing well, with his fastball hitting the mid-90’s.
This impressed the Red Sox enough to tag Padilla as another potential starter for 2012. Over his 13 seasons in the majors, Padilla has a career ERA and WHIP of 4.31 and 1.373 with 6.3 SO/9 and 3.2 BB/9.
For more on the Red Sox, be sure to check out BoSox Injection.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.