Chase Anderson is heading to free agency after clearing outright waivers, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive. The veteran right-hander was designated for assignment by the Red Sox just before the trade deadline to make room for James Paxton.
Anderson, who was signed by the Red Sox to a $1.25 million deal in the spring, has spent the season as a long reliever in Alex Cora’s bullpen. Over 27 appearances, he pitched 52 innings with a 4.85 ERA, and his 15.6% strikeout rate was below average. Although he showed decent control, he struggled with home runs, allowing 1.73 per nine innings.
With 11 years of MLB experience, Anderson had a successful stint as a starter with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2016 to 2019. However, he has become a more journeyman depth pitcher in recent years, having played for six teams over the last five seasons. He was a starter for the Rockies last season but posted a 5.75 ERA over 17 starts.
The Red Sox will cover Anderson’s salary since players with more than five years of MLB service retain their guaranteed money if they refuse an outright assignment. Anderson might have to settle for a minor league deal, and if he returns to the majors this season, his new team would owe him the prorated league minimum of $740,000 for the time he spends on the roster.
