Boston Red Sox need Kodai Senga to salvage offseason

The Boston Red Sox have infuriated their fanbase this offseason. Kodai Senga could help salvage that relationship.

Frustration had been building between the fanbase and the front office and ownership. It began when Mookie Betts was traded away for a bucket of balls and a pair of used socks. Andrew Benintendi brought back even less. Then, for the Red Sox to not just let Xander Bogaerts walk away, but to also not be close to what the Padres and other teams offered? That was the final straw.

Boston Red Sox need Kodai Senga

The Red Sox have made moves. They signed Kenley Jansen, adding a needed closer to the bullpen. Boston also drastically overpaid for Masataka Yoshida, who is a glorified designated hitter at best. But this offseason could be salvaged if they signed Kodai Senga.

There is no denying that Senga is a risk. While he dominated in Japan, the fact that he only has two plus pitches makes it possible that he might not be more than a middle of the rotation arm. There is some reliever risk on Senga as well, although he could potentially be a dominant late inning arm.

But this is also a move that the Red Sox have to make. He is one of the best pitchers on the market, someone that would fit well atop their rotation with Nick Pivetta and a hypothetically healthy Chris Sale. If Senga lives up to expectations, and Sale is healthy, that could be a strong group.

Such a move would also change perceptions about the Red Sox offseason. They can point to Senga and say that they are making an effort to compete in 2023. These moves may well be highly risky, but the rewards could be worthwhile also. And, perhaps most importantly to ownership, signing Senga could get the fanbase back on their side.

The Boston Red Sox need Kodai Senga as they attempt to retool their rotation and build a winning ballclub. They also need him to change the perception of their offseason.