Boston Red Sox: 3 starting pitchers that could be signed in free agency

Boston Red Sox free agent target No. 2: Carlos Rodon

Carlos Rodon has always had great stuff, the problem is he’s never ever been able to consistently stay healthy. That changed this season, and Rodon had a breakout season at the perfect time considering he is set for free agency. If Rodriguez ends up declining the Sox qualifying offer, they could lock in on Rodon and make him their top target.

After pitching just 7.2 innings in 2020, Rodon came back in 2021 and was dominant for a good portion of the season. He finished with a 13-5 record, a sparkling 2.37 ERA, a career high 185 strikeouts, and he also tossed a no-hitter along the way. Rodon seemed to wear down towards the end of the season, which is a bit concerning, but even then he was still able to gut out some solid outings in August and September.

The fact that Rodon has struggled at times throughout his career may keep some suitors away, but it’s clear Rodon has a very high ceiling as one of the best lefties in the game. When comparing him and Rodriguez, Rodriguez is probably more consistent, but Rodon offers the potential to turn the Red Sox starting rotation into an absolute force.

Rodon was surprisingly not offered a qualifying deal by the Chicago White Sox, which is a telling sign that he probably won’t return there. Rodon seems to be looking for a shorter term deal so that he can hit the free agent market again before the end of his career, which is probably a good thing in case he ends up flaming out.

If Rodriguez ends up signing elsewhere, Rodon would be the perfect replacement. Rodon was a machine this past season, and while there are some durability concerns, a shorter deal should help ease those worries. Signing Rodon may be a bit riskier than bringing back Rodriguez, but Rodon moves the Sox closer to winning a World Series, and that’s the main goal this offseason.