Red Sox sign veteran righty to a minor league deal; does not receive NRI
The Red Sox added another veteran pitcher to the mix.
Boston signed right-handed pitcher Nick Burdi to a minor league deal, a source tells Beyond the Monster. The 32-year-old’s deal does not include an invite to spring training, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Burdi is the latest veteran hurler to sign with the Red Sox since camp broke in early February. The Sox added right-hander Adam Ottavino and left-hander Matt Moore, who will compete for a spot in the bullpen.
In 2024, Burdi made the Yankees’ Opening Day roster and posted a 1.86 ERA, struck out 12 while walking nine over a career-high 12 appearances (9 2/3 innings). He averaged 97.5 mph on his fastball and offers a slider that sits in the upper 80s. A hip issue caused him to miss time last season.
Burdi has been snakebitten by injuries throughout his career, including undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2017 and October 2020. He also underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in 2019. He missed a chunk of time in 2023 after an emergency appendectomy.
The former Louisville star was drafted by the Twins in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft. He’s made 31 appearances for the Pirates, Cubs, and Yankees over parts of the last five seasons. Burdi owns a career 6.48 ERA over 25 big league innings.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has some familiarity with Burdi after the Cubs drafted him in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft. Breslow served as the Cubs assistant general manager and vice president of pitching before joining the Red Sox as their new front office leader.
The Sox new righty is a candidate to join the WooSox and pitch out of their bullpen this season. He will spend time at Fenway South before the Red Sox assign him to an affiliate, the source added.
New Red Sox left-handed reliever reveals why he signed with Boston; 'We think we can help you'
The Red Sox added additional veteran depth to their bullpen this spring when they signed left-handed reliever Matt Moore to a minor league deal, which also includes a non-roster invite to camp.