MLB Rumors: Red Sox Have "Heavy Interest" In 2X Cy Young Winner

They lost out on their own starter (Nate Eovaldi), so now it appears the Boston Red Sox are quickly pivoting and trying to lock in on the 'next best' available arm still on the market.

From @chadjennings22 late last night:

“According to multiple people familiar with the team’s thinking, the Red Sox have shown heavy interest in Corey Kluber…”

Kluber posted a 4.34 ERA/3.57 FIP with a 7.6 K/9 and 1.2 BB/9 with the Rays in 2022. 164 IP.pic.twitter.com/wO4mzpjqxY
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) December 28, 2022

Red Sox beat writer for The Athletic, Chad Jennings, reports that “according to multiple people familiar with the team’s thinking, the Red Sox have shown heavy interest in Corey Kluber."

Entering his age-37 season in 2023, Kluber is a two-time Cy Young winner, but that was in another lifetime. He took home the honors with Cleveland in 2014 and 2017. He's now settled into a more middle-of-the-rotation type of arm, last year posting a 4.34 ERA with the Tampa Bay Rays, with a 1.21 WHIP. His strikeout rate was at a career-low 7.6 K/9, however he also led the majors with the best walk rate among starters, surrendering just 1.2 BB per nine.

The BoSox rotation is far from complete at this point, headed up by Chris Sale, who's pitched all of 11 games in the last three years due to a succession of injuries. In addition to the loss of their former All-Star Eovaldi, they are also currently without another of their best pitchers from 2022, Michael Wacha, who is still a free agent.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports