The Boston Red Sox made several starting pitching additions this offseason, most notably signing Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler.
The signing of Patrick Sandoval to a two-year deal may go under the radar in the coming weeks. The left-hander underwent Tommy John surgery with the Los Angeles Angels in 2024 and could return late in 2025.
Alex Cora certainly believes the Red Sox could have a late-season weapon on the mound if Sandoval stays on schedule.
“Obviously, the rehab process is the rehab process,” Cora told reporters Wednesday, as seen on NESN. “He’s locked in. We do believe our staff can speed up things, but we’re going to be patient. If it happens, it’s a lefty with a good fastball. He’s been there, done that. He’s a guy who we faced a few times and that four-seamer takes off. Good dude, great guy. He’s happy. He brings experience, too. He can talk to guys. He’s a guy who whenever he gets here, he’s gonna be like a big addition for us.”
The new Red Sox starter struggled in recent years but put together a productive 2022 season to the tune of 2.91 ERA. Boston hopes his return adds to comfortable depth on an improved pitching staff.