The Boston Red Sox haven’t made a big splash so far in the offseason, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t active. According to multiple reports, the Red Sox managed to pick up a reliable starter from the free-agent market by agreeing to a one-year deal with right-hander Michael Wacha.
Wacha comes to Boston after spending the 2021 MLB season with the Tampa Bay Rays. He went 3-5 in 23 games as a starter while posting a 5.05 ERA and finishing the year with 121 strikeouts.
The deal between the two sides should become official after Wacha passes his physical.
The financial terms of the agreement between Wacha and the Red Sox currently remain under wraps, but the 30-year-old is expected to receive a salary of around $5 million, if not more. He played the 2020 season on a one-year, $3 million contract.
Getting Michael Wacha should turn out to be a smart deal for the Red Sox, considering that it won’t impact their finances all that much. Wacha will give them a solid option at the back end of their rotation, while it shouldn’t be surprising to see him in a reliever role if Boston ends up lacking depth in that department.
Wacha is entering his 10th year in the majors. He spent most of his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals and has one All-Star nod to show for. His stats include 63-48 record, 4.14 ERA, and 917 strikeouts.
