Red Sox rumors: 5 moves to make Boston World Series champions

Oct 20, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (11) celebrates with designated hitter J.D. Martinez (28) after hitting a solo home run against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning of game five of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 12, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) pitches against the Houston Astros during the first inning in game four of the 2021 ALDS at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Red Sox rumors: Boston should sign Carlos Rodon

Losing Eduardo Rodriguez to the Detroit Tigers in free agency undoubtedly stung for the Red Sox. He was one of their most reliable arms down the stretch and into the playoffs, and parlayed that performance into a well-deserved payday. And now Boston needs to find his replacement.

They don’t have to look any further than free agent Carlos Rodon.

Rodon, 29, was fantastic in 2021 for the Chicago White Sox. The southpaw, known to be injury prone, delivered the best season of his career with a 2.37 ERA in 24 starts, including a no-hitter against the Cleveland Guardians. That’s the kind of production the Red Sox could easily benefit from in 2022, while not having to break the bank to secure his services either.

Rodon’s injury history will make teams cautious about giving him a long-term contract, so fitting him into a 2022 contention window is quite feasible. Acquiring Rodon would also reunite him with former White Sox teammate and current Red Sox Chris Sale to make a powerful lefty punch atop Boston’s rotation this season.

Boston did sign veteran lefties Rich Hill and James Paxton, as well as righty Michael Wacha before the lockout, but none of those options are sure things. Rodon proved he can be a step above the rest.

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