Red Sox Interested in Kyle Lohse

According to Jon Heyman, the Boston Red Sox have shown some interest in free agent right hander Kyle Lohse.

Much of Lohse’s recent success can be attributed to his improved command. Image: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Heyman notes that Boston has prioritized finding offense, as evidenced by the recent signing of Mike Napoli, but they remain in the market for pitching as well. Heyman also says that Boston inquired on fellow right hander Anibal Sanchez, but found the asking price off-putting.

Lohse is considered the third or fourth best starter on the open market and the Red Sox have a few vacancies in their rotation. Reports have also connected them to NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, who is being shopped in trade talks by the New York Mets.

Boston has plenty of money to spend, but Lohse won’t command the same price as Sanchez or Zack Greinke. At 34, he’s a touch younger than Ryan Dempster but Lohse is represented by Scott Boras, which probably negates any favorable edge he had in that comparison.

Over the past couple of seasons, Lohse has pitched to a 3.11 ERA in 399.1 innings and has won 30 games for the St. Louis Cardinals. Lohse was given a qualifying offer by the Redbirds, which he declined, so any team that signs him will forfeit a draft pick in order to do so.

Lohse has also drawn interest from the Dodgers and Angels.