After rehiring Alex Cora as manager, the Boston Red Sox could be ready to make their next big move. Per Jon Morosi, the Red Sox have expressed interest in signing two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. At 34, Kluber’s best days are likely behind him, but he could provide valuable depth and stability to a desperate Boston pitching staff.
Corey Kluber’s Potential
Corey Kluber spent the first nine years of his career in Cleveland and was among the best pitchers in baseball, however, Corey Kluber’s 2019 season was cut short after a fractured arm caused by a line drive.
After being traded to the Texas Rangers, Corey Kluber was pulled in the first inning of his first start due to shoulder tightness which ended up being a season-ending torn teres major muscle. As a result of Kluber’s injury, Texas chose to decline his $18 million option for the 2021 season, making Corey Kluber a free agent. Corey Kluber is apparently progressing towards a return and will begin throwing bullpen sessions soon.
Corey Kluber’s Appeal to Boston
As a result of Corey Kluber’s injury, Texas chose to decline his $18 million option for the 2021 season, making Kluber a free agent. Wherever Kluber signs, he will not be paid that money and it is likely that he will sign a one-year deal worth between $10-15 million.
This is firmly within Boston’s budget for 2021. After trading away Mookie Betts and David Price, the Red Sox reset the luxury tax and are rumored to be open to spending money this offseason. Another reason Corey Kluber may sign in Boston is his ties to the city. Kluber owns a house in Boston and has trained there for multiple offseasons. With all these facts considered, Kluber could realistically find Boston to be a comfortable place to end his career.
How Corey Kluber Fits Into Boston’s Rotation
The 2020 Red Sox pitching staff was nothing short of terrible. With a 5.58 ERA, both the rotation and the bullpen were the primary reason for the Red Sox’s failure as a whole, however, with players set to come back from injuries, the addition of Corey Kluber could give Boston a solid rotation.
Eduardo Rodriguez should be ready to go for the 2021 season following a season lost to COVID-19 and a subsequent heart condition. Nathan Eovaldi was one of the few starters for Boston who put together a solid season in 2020, despite this, he also missed some time due to injury. Until Chris Sale’s return from surgery, Kluber could be a solid number three starter for Boston with Tanner Houck and Nick Pivetta behind him. Ultimately, adding Corey Kluber would be an inexpensive way for the Boston Red Sox to easily boost their depth and give the team a better chance at being competitive in 2021.
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