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Red Sox: 3 free agents to sign and 1 to avoid

By Gabrielle Starr

Oct 10, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Kyle Schwarber (18) hits a single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning in game three of the 2021 ALDS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Kyle Schwarber (18) hits a single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning in game three of the 2021 ALDS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Marcus Stroman #0 (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Marcus Stroman #0 (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Sign: Marcus Stroman

Marcus Stroman was one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2021, leading MLB with 33 starts, and posting a 3.02 ERA, the second-lowest of his career. He also should have at least been nominated for a Gold Glove award.

After opting out of the 2020 season, Stroman lowered his FIP, WHIP, and both hits and walks per nine, while raising his strikeout rate and keeping his home run rate steady. Don’t hold his 10-13 record against him; he did pitch for the Mets, after all.

The Red Sox rotation currently consists of Nathan Eovaldi, Chris Sale, Nick Pivetta, and Eduardo Rodriguez, if he accepts their qualifying offer. They also have rookies Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock as future starter options, though the latter has never made a career start.

Stroman would be an upgrade for any rotation, but seeing as he spent the first six years of his big-league career in the AL East with the Toronto Blue Jays, he’s got plenty of experience facing the Sox’ four most frequent rivals. He’s also got a career 3.57 ERA over six starts at Fenway, which isn’t half-bad by today’s standards.

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