Boston Red Sox rumors: Justin Masterson on Boston’s radar this off-season
By Hayden Kane
The Boston Red Sox will be on the look this off-season for replacements for a starting rotation that saw the departures of Jon Lester and John Lackey at last month’s trade deadline.
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Top priority for the Boston front office will be an attempt to get Lester back in Boston when he hits free agency. It is unlikely that the Red Sox will meet Lester’s demands, however, and so they might find themselves shopping for cheaper options.
One such option could be another guy who was on the move last month: Justin Masterson of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes the following:
"The Red Sox will have interest in their former farmhand to solidify the middle of their rotation. It doesn’t appear Masterson will get a huge deal, but one major league source indicated a four-year deal in the $64 million-$70 million range might be the figure."
Even that figure seems like it might be a bit north of what Masterson actually deserves, at least if his 2014 results are among the primary considerations. After failing to sign an extension with the Cleveland Indians with a larger deal in his mind, it would seem that Masterson would be happy to end up with that level of a deal at the end of a season in which he is currently 5-7 with a 5.94 ERA.
Additionally, Masterson might be in the ideal position to improve and end on a high note while pitching for the Cardinals. If he is able to do so, he could be a nice bargain for the Red Sox or some other team in a free agent market that won’t be short on pitching.