The Red Sox are expected to sign a six-time All-Star to strengthen their pitching rotation.
The Boston Red Sox are facing criticism from fans and employees for a lackluster offseason, but they might not be finished making significant moves. Despite the move potentially not significantly improving their chances in the competitive AL East, Patrick McAvoy of FanNation’s Inside The Red Sox has predicted that the team could be a “logical landing spot” for six-time All-Star pitcher Zack Greinke. McAvoy noted that while Greinke may not be at the peak of his career, he is a veteran who could provide valuable support and is seeking another opportunity. If the Red Sox fail to acquire a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, Greinke could be brought in to compete for the No. 5 spot in the rotation.
Adding Zack Greinke would indeed bring one of the most accomplished veterans in MLB to the Boston Red Sox
Greinke boasts a remarkable collection of accolades that few active MLB players can match, making him potentially the most accomplished player on the current Red Sox roster. With a 20-year career under his belt, the 40-year-old pitcher has earned the 2009 Cy Young Award, six All-Star selections (2009, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019), six Gold Glove Awards (2014-2019), two Silver Slugger Awards (2013 and 2019), and more.
Over his 541 career starts, Greinke has accumulated a 3.49 ERA, 2,979 strikeouts, and 225 wins. Despite a challenging 2023 season where he posted a career-worst 5.06 ERA in 30 starts for the Kansas City Royals, his 2022 performance showcased a 3.68 ERA in 26 starts. Should he return to this form, Greinke could provide valuable support to the Red Sox at the back end of their rotation.
Patrick McAvoy noted that adding someone like Greinke on an inexpensive contract to bolster the back of the rotation could be a sensible move for Boston. This approach would allow the team to focus on addressing the top of the rotation later in the season, potentially around the trade deadline, depending on their performance.
Greinke is projected to earn $10.4 million for the 2024 season, according to Sportrac. Despite being 40 years old, he is eager to continue pitching and add to his impressive career achievements. Bob Nightengale reported for USA Today that Greinke is determined to play another season, and if he does, he could become just the 20th pitcher in history to reach 3,000 strikeouts.
Zack Greinke would provide a significant boost to the struggling pitching rotation of the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox have restructured their pitching rotation for the 2024 season, with new addition Lucas Giolito expected to take on a significant workload following the departures of Chris Sale, James Paxton, and Corey Kluber. Brayan Bello, a 24-year-old pitcher, is likely to start on Opening Day after a solid performance in 2023. Giolito aims to return to his 2019 All-Star form after a challenging 2023 season. Nick Pivetta improved towards the end of the 2023 season after a stint in the bullpen. Kutter Crawford and Garrett Whitlock are also part of the starting staff.
If Greinke can replicate his 2022 performance, he would have a strong chance of reaching 3,000 career strikeouts while playing for the Red Sox.
