3 notable Red Sox who won’t be back and where they’ll sign

3) Red Sox free agent prediction: Michael Wacha will sign with the Orioles

Michael Wacha has bounced around a bit in recent years. The latest team to believe in him, the Red Sox, got a ton from him in 2022. If not for the dreaded injury bug, he’d be a serious Cy Young candidate.

The Red Sox might want to consider a longer relationship with Wacha. He should also test the market as his value has skyrocketed. There is a team within the American League East that should come calling. It’s the rising Baltimore Orioles.

The Orioles are expected to be an active team this winter. All that was missing from the 2022 roster was a reliable starting rotation. They should be in the market for someone like Wacha as well as an arm with a stronger resume.

Because the Orioles shouldn’t seriously believe they can win a championship in 2023, a youngish free agent like Wacha on a multi-year deal is a good step in the right direction. He’s someone the team can win with more in 2023 and set up for a more serious battle in 2024.

Despite having such an awesome year with the Red Sox in 2022, Wacha will not command a whole lot of money. It’ll be more than many suspected he’d get prior to this most recent season. If the Orioles do sign him even to what looks like a reasonable contract, they might end up with a bargain.