Red Sox add to the rotation with the signing of Corey Kluber

Image courtesy of AP Photos

On Wednesday, the Red Sox continued to add their roster with the signing of Corey Kluber. Less than 24 hours after news broke that fan favorite Nathan Eovaldi had signed with the Texas Rangers, the Red Sox and Kluber agreed on a one-year contract with a club option for 2024.

While the former fourth-round pick is five years removed from his latest Cy Young campaign, he is still a reliable arm. In 31 starts for the Rays in 2021, he posted a 4.34 ERA and struck out 139 batters. It was the first time since 2018 that he made more than 30 starts in a season.

Tyler Milliken ⚾️ @tylermilliken_

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.

Additionally, Kluber stayed off the injured list and held opponents to a .274 batting average. While that is a little higher than the Rays would have liked, the Birmingham native only walked 21 batters. His biggest issue in 2022 was with the homerun ball.

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In 164 innings of work, Kluber allowed 20 home runs. He did show better control down the stretch, as in September, he did not allow a home run in four of his five starts. As the Rays made their postseason push, the 2007 draftee showed better control even though he posted a 5.18 ERA.

Rob Friedman @PitchingNinja

Corey Kluber, Wicked 82mph Breaking Ball. 🤢

As Opening Day approaches, the Red Sox now have one less hole to fill. While adding Kluber does not move the needle, he brings valuable experience. He is also less than two seasons removed from posting a 3.83 ERA in 16 starts for the Yankees. His resume includes ten playoff starts.

The Red Sox still have a lot of work to do, but the addition of Kluber is a move that has some upside. He brings postseason experience and can serve as a valuable mentor for younger arms such as Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck, and Garrett Whitlock.

Follow Jamie on Twitter @JamieGatlin17

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