Boston Red Sox finally add another arm to rotation

The Boston Red Sox had seen their pitching targets sign elsewhere virtually all offseason. On Wednesday afternoon, they finally found someone willing to take their money.

According to Jeff Passan from ESPN, the Red Sox are set to sign Corey Kluber to a one year deal with a team option for 2024. Jon Heyman from the New York Post reported that the deal is worth $10 million with the option being worth $11 million.

Boston Red Sox at least do something by adding Corey Kluber

The Red Sox rotation saw a pair of notable defections on Tuesday. Both Rich Hill and Nathan Eovaldi headed elsewhere on Tuesday, signing larger contracts than the Red Sox were willing to offer. With a rotation that is essentially Nick Pivetta and a plethora of question marks, having Eovaldi and Hill sign elsewhere was a distinct blow.

It is fair to wonder how much of a difference Kluber will make. He is no longer the perennial All Star or Cy Young candidate he had once been. At best, he is a solid back of the rotation arm at this point, someone that should be able to eat innings in a fourth or fifth starter role.

That was evident in his performance last season. Kluber posted a 4.34 ERA and a 1.213 WHiP in his 164 innings, striking out 139 batters with 21 walks. While he was the best in the majors at limiting free passes, his .749 OPS against was his worst mark over a full season since his rookie campaign in 2013.

Maybe Kluber can turn back the clock. Maybe, at 37 years old and coming off of his first healthy season since 2018, he can rediscover that form that made him one of the top pitchers in the game. At least, that is what the Red Sox are hoping for. Chances are, he will just be another filler piece in the back of their rotation.

The Boston Red Sox finally got around to addressing their rotation. They have signed Corey Kluber to a one year deal with an option for 2024.