Boston Red Sox add rotation depth with Michael Wacha

The Boston Red Sox desperately needed to address their rotation. With Eduardo Rodriguez leaving for Detroit, Boston had a gaping hole in the middle of the rotation that they needed to fill. Although there are several young arms who could be ready for a starting role, the Red Sox may not be ready to entrust two spots to those youngsters.

That proved to be the case on Friday. The Red Sox have signed Michael Wacha to a one year deal pending a physical.

Boston Red Sox giving Michael Wacha a chance

A one time mainstay in the Cardinals rotation, Wacha has bounced around recently as the Red Sox will be his fourth organization in as many years. He had been a solid pitcher in his career, an All Star in 2015 who won 17 games that season. Landing Wacha back in 2017 would have been considered the type of move that could lead to a championship.

That is not the case now. He has struggled over the past three years, losing his spot in the rotation with the Cardinals and Rays. In that time, he posted a 5.11 ERA and a 1.451 WHiP in his 285.1 innings, numbers that do not exactly inspire confidence. While his strikeout and walk rates were solid, as he struck out 262 batters with 93 walks, he also allowed 58 homers.

At this point, nothing can be given to Wacha. He is a possible option for the rotation, but he will need to prove himself. Otherwise, he may serve as a long reliever/spot starter, waiting for an injury to get his turn if he shows capable of handling such a role.

Likewise, one has to imagine that he will not receive that much of a salary. He was only able to receive $3 million from the Rays last year, and will likely have a similar contract. This allows the Red Sox plenty of financial flexibility to get other pieces they need, but it is difficult to say that they have addressed their need in the rotation.

The Boston Red Sox are set to sign Michael Wacha to a one year deal. Even with his addition, they still need to address the rotation.