Craig Breslow, the chief baseball officer for the Boston Red Sox, hinted on the latest episode of the “Baseball isn’t Boring” podcast that the front office might become more active following the opt-out deadline.
Players with opt-out clauses in their contracts were allowed to terminate their deals on March 23 if they didn’t secure a spot on the major league roster of their respective teams. The Pirates opted to let go of pitcher Chase Anderson, who was swiftly signed by the Red Sox on the same day.
Boston inked Anderson to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million, with the potential to earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses. To accommodate Anderson on the 40-man roster, Craig Breslow, was moved to the 60-day IL.
Expected to primarily serve as a long reliever, Anderson boasts the capability to make starts if necessary, given his background as a career starter. He joins Josh Winckowski as one of the Red Sox’s more reliable long relievers, both capable of spot starts when required.
Anderson, a seasoned 10-year MLB veteran, has shuffled through several teams since 2020, primarily with the Diamondbacks and Brewers at the onset of his career. However, he has encountered challenges in maintaining consistency since then.
Over the past two seasons, Anderson has made 52 appearances with various teams, recording a 6.19 ERA across 192 innings. Despite this, he managed to tally 160 strikeouts and displayed improved ability to limit hard contact during his tenure with the Rockies in 2023. There’s speculation among fans whether Anderson could potentially slot into the rotation if Tanner Houck or Garrett Whitlock struggle as starters, providing the Red Sox with a cost-effective option.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora emphasized that the pitching staff remains unsettled with Opening Day fast approaching. He anticipates finalizing the staff following Boston’s exhibition series against the reigning World Series champions, the Rangers, on March 25 and 26. With Cooper Criswell not included on the Major League roster, Anderson appears poised to secure a spot in the long-relief role.
Breslow’s recent remarks on the “Baseball isn’t Boring” podcast suggest that more activity could be on the horizon for the Red Sox. As other clubs finalize their Opening Day rosters and additional players become available, a fresh pool of talent may emerge in the open market.
While they may not fulfill the expectations set during the offseason, any moves to bolster the pitching staff would be welcomed by Boston fans. The potential addition of Jordan Montgomery could alter the narrative, offering a new perspective on the Red Sox’s pitching dynamics.
