Red Sox lose out on free agent pitcher Zach Eflin to the Rays
Eflin chose to sign with Tampa Bay to remain closer to his Orlando home
On Thursday night, the Red Sox believed they were about to add free agent starting pitcher Zach Eflin. Boston and Eflin negotiated a three-year, $40 million deal. Instead, Eflin will sign the same deal with division rival Tampa Bay Rays.
According to Alex Speier of The Boston Globe and Chad Jennings of The Athletic, Eflin and his representatives reached out to the Rays to see if they would match the Red Sox offer. The Rays matched the Red Sox offer and Boson was never given an opportunity to continue to negotiate with the pitcher.
The former Phillies right-hander decided to pitch in Florida to stay closer to his Orlando home.
It is unclear whether The Red Sox valued Eflin as a starter or a reliever, the club has a need for both heading into next season.
The 28-year-old had a career 36-35 record with a 4.49 ERA over parts of seven seasons with the Phillies.
This is the second player this week that the Red Sox lost out on after having strong interest. Boston had targeted José Abreu as their No. 1 external free agent option and he opted to sign with the defending World Series champions. Abreu landed a three-year, $60 million deal with Houston.
There is a lot of work still to be done for the Red Sox roster. Boston has only added veteran free agent lefty Joely Rodriguez.
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