The Boston Red Sox are finalizing a deal with right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Right-hander Michael Wacha and the Boston Red Sox are finalizing a one-year contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. Wacha, 30, was solid in a starting role for Tampa Bay last season and is expected to bring depth to the Red Sox’s rotation. Deal is pending a physical.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 26, 2021
Wacha spent his 2021 with the Rays, and struggled although he did pitch a 5.9 walk rate (84th percentile) and he was in the 92nd percentile of chase rate. The righty posted a 5.05 ERA but a 3.91 xFIP, as well as a 4.00 SIERA across 29 outings (23 starts).
The longtime Cardinal spent seven seasons in St. Louis before spending his 2020 with the Mets. Wacha, in his rookie year, started Game 6 of the 2013 World Series vs. Boston and the Sox clinched their third championship of the 2000’s.
Red Sox Payroll on Twitter gives some analysis and a guess of what his salary will be.
Guess; 1yr/$4.5MM + incentives for GS and/or IP. https://t.co/MLIDDZpwS9
— Red Sox Payroll (@redsoxpayroll) November 26, 2021
Soxprospects.com‘s Ian Cundall gives some more analysis on his pitch usage.
Wacha did finish the season strong & there could be something to build on there as it came w/a pitch mix change. He relied more on his FB/CH, ditched his cutter & started throwing his CB again. From 8/20 on: 39.1 innings, 3.20 era, 45 K:7 BB. Opponent slash line .193/.234/.331. pic.twitter.com/VKFzzIgykc
— Ian Cundall (@IanCundall) November 26, 2021
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)