Former Red Sox starter Michael Wacha remains unsigned with camps set to begin next week
Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training in a week and former Red Sox starter Michael Wacha remains unsigned.
The 31-year-old is coming off a season where he went 11-2 with a 3.32 ERA, 1.12 WHIP with 104 strikeouts over 127 1/3 innings pitched.
On the surface, those are respectable numbers and leaves fans wondering why Wacha remains unsigned?
However, some of the advanced metrics tell another story for the veteran righty. Last season, Wacha posted a 4.14 FIP and a 20.2 percent strikeout rate.
Wacha ranked in the 27th percentile in xBA, 31st percentile in strikeout percentage, 12th percentile in Whiff percentage. His fastball velocity ranked 25th percentile, his fastball spin rate ranked in 16th percentile and his curveball spin rate ranked in the 12th percentile, per his Baseball Savant page.
Another reason Wacha might remain unsigned was his two stints on the injured list last season. He missed time with left intercostal irritation in May and right shoulder inflammation in July.
Despite the advanced metrics not being in the favor of Wacha, it doesn’t mean he can’t provide value for a big league club. The issue will come down to cost and years for the team looking to sign Wacha.
Boston signed Wacha to a one-year, $7 million deal in the offseason in 2021. After not being offered the qualifying offer, the Red Sox had remained in contact with Wacha during the offseason. He has also been connected to the Orioles, Twins and Angels as well.
Last month, Jon Heyman reported that Wacha was seeking a two-year pact. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale added to that report saying Wacha was looking for $15 million per season.
Wacha will turn 32 in July and it’s understandable he is looking for security with his next contract. However, based off the timing of the offseason, he may have to take another one-year prove it deal.
It’s unlikely that Wacha will return to the Red Sox. Boston already has seven starers in Chris Sale, Nick Pivetta, Garret Whitlock, Corey Kluber, James Paxton, Brayan Bello and Tanner Houck. Unless someone gets hurt this spring, the Sox seem intent on the group they have going into camp.
For Wacha, a one-year deal seems to be on the horizon, unless a team gets desperate and offers a second guaranteed year.
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