Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Michael Wacha has been on four different teams over the past four seasons. It makes sense that he would be looking for some stability in his current trip through free agency.
That certainly seems to be the case. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Wacha is still looking for a two year deal as he continues to look for a home for the 2023 season.
Two year deal for former Boston Red Sox pitcher Michael Wacha a gamble
Based on his performance in 2022, a two year deal for Wacha would be a modest investment. He had posted a solid 3.32 ERA and a 1.115 WHiP over his 127.1 innings, striking out 104 batters with 31 walks. That performance is definitely worth those two years.
The problem comes from the three years before. From 2019 through 2021, Wacha had produced a 5.11 ERA and a 1.451 WHiP over his 285.1 innings, striking out 262 batters with 93 walks. His ten wins in those three years were one fewer than he earned in 2022 alone.
At the same time, Wacha comes with injury concerns. He has had several stints on the Injured List due to shoulder woes, including some missed time this past season. Those struggles over the previous three seasons, combined with his shoulder issues, make even a two year deal a bit of a concern.
This may be why Wacha is still on the market. Even teams that are reportedly interested in his services, such as the Orioles and Twins, may want to bring him in on a one year deal with an option so he can prove that last season was not a fluke. Otherwise, Wacha may find himself on the market into spring training.
Michael Wacha wants a two year deal after a strong showing with the Boston Red Sox. It is a matter of having some stability after the last four years.