The Boston Red Sox have encountered a setback in their projected pitching rotation with the potential season-long absence of starter Lucas Giolito due to elbow problems. However, they are exploring various options in the free-agent market and trade opportunities, with names like Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Zack Greinke, and others being considered. Assessing the alternatives, MLB insider Robert Murray suggests that free agent Michael Lorenzen is the most practical choice for the Red Sox, particularly given Giolito’s injury.
The Red Sox are facing a challenging situation with their pitching rotation, especially after Giolito’s injury. The current projected starters include Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, and Tanner Houck, none of whom maintained an ERA below 4.00 last season. Moreover, the team has lost key contributors in quality starts, with James Paxton moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chris Sale traded to the Atlanta Braves.
While the Red Sox have been in communication with Montgomery, who is reportedly seeking a contract exceeding $100 million, Lorenzen emerges as a more financially feasible option.
Lorenzen’s projected cost, estimated by Ken Rosenthal to be around $20 million with a potential two-year deal, aligns well with the Red Sox’s budgetary considerations. Murray suggests that Lorenzen is unlikely to command as much as Sean Manaea, who signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the New York Mets. This makes Lorenzen an attractive prospect for the Red Sox.
Lorenzen has accumulated a 4.11 ERA and 602 strikeouts over nine seasons in the majors, primarily as a starter. In 2023, he impressed with the Detroit Tigers before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he struggled to maintain his performance. Despite this, Lorenzen is projected to be a solid addition to the Red Sox rotation for the upcoming season.
Considering the Red Sox’s need for additional pitching depth and their conservative approach to spending in the offseason, signing Lorenzen to a short-term deal could be a sensible move. With the team already managing its payroll and showing reluctance to make big expenditures, a cost-effective arrangement with Lorenzen fits well within its strategy.
