3 notable Red Sox who won’t be back and where they’ll sign
By Tim Boyle
2) Red Sox free agent prediction: Nathan Eovaldi will sign with the Phillies
Nathan Eovaldi had a very up and down year for the Red Sox in 2022. Like nearly everyone on the roster, injuries were an issue. He was still good enough and has the track record to suggest he’ll have eyes on him when he does become available.
The Red Sox could explore a reunion. However, it’s more likely they seek someone younger. They already won their championship with Eovaldi. Someone else will want to have a chance to do the same.
It’s the Philadelphia Phillies who will end up with Eovaldi. With several free agent starting pitchers of their own, the club will look to upgrade from Kyle Gibson and add Eovaldi as a No. 3 starter behind Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola.
The clock is ticking on the Phillies and their chance to win with the current core. The 2023 campaign should be more all-in than ever before. They lack a farm system to make decent enough trades to add the pitching they need for a real chance at a championship.
Throughout the 2022 campaign, the Phillies have shown a lot of weaknesses. Whether it’s a lack of clutch hitting, inconsistent pitching, or their defense, it’s a roster lacking one definitive formula for winning. Adding Eovaldi to the rotation for a few years won’t be absolute in helping them. He will, however, give them a playoff experienced starter.