Boston Red Sox Sign High-Upside RHP Alexi Ogando
Apr 19, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher
Alexi Ogando(41) throws during the game against the Chicago White Sox at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Red Sox have bolstered the back end of their bullpen as the team reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with right-hander Alexi Ogando, per Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Rosenthal also confirmed Ogando’s $1.5 million salary for the 2015 season with Bob Nightengale reporting that Ogando’s contract contains $1.5 million in performance incentives.
Ogando, 31, is making the switch from Texas to Boston after spending the first five years of his career in the Lone Star State. During those five years, Ogando showcased himself as one of the more overpowering and promising arms in the game. Despite racking up just 28 wins in that time, Ogando did enjoy an All-Star season with the Rangers in 2011. In 29 starts , Ogando pitched to a 13-8 record and a 3.51 ERA in 160 innings pitched.
The All-Star year aside, Ogando failed to establish himself as a stalwart on the Rangers pitching staff. Bouncing around between the rotation and bullpen hindered Ogando’s progress as the injuries mounted, and he never did become the pitcher the Rangers thought he could be. At his peak, the Dominican born pitcher hit 97 MPH with relative ease. However, a myriad of health issues caused his velocity to drop below 94 MPH in recent seasons.
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When analyzing Ogando’s injury history, it warrants a red flag. In 2013, Ogando battled nerve damage and inflammation in his shoulder in addition to a biceps injury. Then, in 2014, a sprain to his ulnar collateral ligament limited him to just 25 innings in which he pitched to an unsightly 6.84 ERA. All these injuries to his throwing arm are the reason why the Rangers elected to non-tended Ogando in early December, choosing not to pay his projected salary of $2.6 million.
For the Red Sox, they are acquiring Ogando at his lowest point as he is two years removed from being an effective pitcher. However, if he can get back to being the healthy and hard-throwing pitcher the Rangers saw at times, he will make the Red Sox a better team.
Although it’s entirely possible that Alexi Ogando could be used as a starter, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe notes that Ogando will likely serve as the team’s 7th inning pitcher. If he proves capable in that role, the Red Sox have a clear path to keeping him around. Boston has the ability to control Ogando for the 2016 season as well through arbitration.