Boston Red Sox might not get a full season out of Corey Kluber
When the Boston Red Sox came into the 2023 season, one of the biggest question marks was whether or not the starting rotation would hold up. So far, they’re getting contributions from most of their starters.
Chris Sale is starting to come into form in two of his last three starts. James Paxton threw the ball really well in his first start against the St. Louis Cardinals. Brayan Bello looks like he’s starting to get into a groove as well. Nick Pivetta…yeah we know about him. But then, that leaves Corey Kluber.
Kluber signed a one year deal with the Red Sox this off-season. There was a lot of optimism for the veteran right-handed starter as he was known to be a guy with pinpoint control and inducing weak contact.
But so far this season, he hasn’t been good. He’s been pretty bad to the point where it wouldn’t surprise me if Kluber didn’t make it a full season with the Boston Red Sox.
Boston Red Sox starter Corey Kluber having trouble with velocity and control
Like I mentioned above, Kluber is known as a guy that throws strikes and spots the ball well. He’s not doing that this year for this Boston Red Sox team.
The three time All-star has 15 walks in eight games started this season. That’s nearly two walks a start. For Kluber, that’s a little too much.
Also, Kluber has given up 11 homeruns so far in his eight starts. So quick math there, a little bit over one homerun a start!
Not to mention, he has a 6.41 ERA at the moment!
Plus, the velocity has gone down as the righty is sitting around 88 miles per hour on the fastball. I know we aren’t going to get the prime version of Corey Kluber velocity wise. But you can’t do much with a starter that isn’t missing bats and throwing not even in the 90s mph range.
Red Sox have other starting options besides Corey Kluber
If the Red Sox wanted to cut ties all together and eat the money that they gave Kluber by releasing him, it’s not like they’d have limited options in the rotation.
Want your voice heard? Join the Chowder And Champions team!
We go back to James Paxton. Hopefully, the lefty can be consistent in the Red Sox rotation and give quality innings.
You have Sale, Bello, and a combination of Houck/Pivetta/Whitlock once he’s healthy.
Also, consider if the Red Sox are in the playoff hunt, Chaim Bloom could pull off a trade for a starting pitcher. It’d be an interesting move depending on what the cost would be. But if you’re in the hunt and can pull it off, why not?
Still hope for Corey Kluber
I do hope Corey Kluber battles out of this little slump he seems to be in for the Boston Red Sox. Fans like myself wanted Kluber here a few years ago. Now? Not so sure about that!
Next. Thank Dustin Pedroia for Jarren Duran's rise. dark
If you can get just a little bit out of Corey Kluber, then that’s a plus for this team. But if not, don’t be afraid to pull the plug and move onto a younger arm or a veteran arm with something left in the tank, via trade.
The good thing is it’s early and there’s still time for things to turn around. So here’s to hoping “Klubot” turns a corner for this Red Sox team!