The Boston Red Sox’s pitching squad has encountered a host of challenges this winter. From the front office’s failure to secure top-tier talent to season-ending injuries, the team’s pitching corps has faced unfortunate circumstances once more.
Right-handed pitchers overwhelmingly populate the Red Sox’s pitching lineup, with all starters, or the relievers substituted into the starting rotation, being right-handed. The bullpen also features an abundance of right-handers, and the recent announcement of Chris Murphy’s throwing-arm injury has further depleted the team’s left-handed pitching options for the foreseeable future.
Three southpaws remain in contention for spots on Boston’s Opening Day roster: Brennan Bernardino, Lucas Luetge, and Joely Rodríguez. Bernardino’s strong performances last season virtually assure him a place on the 26-man roster, particularly with Murphy likely sidelined for an extended period. This leaves Luetge and Rodríguez with improved chances of securing spots on the Opening Day squad.
However, if Luetge and Rodríguez fail to secure roster spots, they have the option to opt out of their contracts and explore opportunities elsewhere in 2024. Should they choose to exercise this option, the Red Sox would be left with Bernardino as the lone left-handed pitcher on the 40-man roster, assuming Murphy’s elbow issue sidelines him for the entire season.
If Lucas Luetge and Joely Rodríguez fail to secure spots on the Opening Day roster, the Red Sox may risk losing them to opt-out clauses.
The Red Sox are eager to introduce some diversity into their bullpen, especially considering they have five right-handed starters. However, they are also keen on avoiding unnecessary expenditures. While Boston could opt to pay a $100,000 retention bonus to retain Rodríguez if he fails to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, spending money is not part of the current front office’s agenda for 2024.
Luetge has a distinct opt-out provision in his contract. If the Red Sox do not include him on the major-league roster at the beginning of the season, he has the option to seek a major-league playing opportunity with another team. If there is no interest from other clubs, he can remain with the Red Sox. However, if another team expresses interest, Boston is obligated to release him.
Once more, with Murphy’s status up in the air, Luetge and Rodríguez stand a better chance of earning spots on the roster. Rodríguez, who was part of the team last season, faced limited playing time due to an extended stint on the injured list. He only made 11 appearances for the Sox, pitching to a 6.55 ERA over 11 innings.
However, an injury to any of the left-handed relievers, given their limited numbers, could prove disastrous for Boston.
It would be prudent for the Red Sox to ensure at least one of the two left-handed pitchers with opt-out clauses is included on the 26-man roster.
Luetge has presented a strong case for a roster spot this spring, boasting a 2.25 ERA with 10 strikeouts over eight innings in Grapefruit League play. Rodríguez is not far behind, posting a 3.00 ERA with seven strikeouts in six innings.
Ideally, both Luetge and Rodríguez will maintain their strong performances and secure spots on the 26-man roster, thus avoiding any potential opt-outs. However, the current situation suggests that the Red Sox’s pitching staff could be facing more challenges than it has in recent memory.