Boston Red Sox make bold move by signing Patrick Sandoval
- The Boston Red Sox signed left-hander Patrick Sandoval to a two-year, $18.2 million deal.
- Sandoval is recovering from elbow ligament surgery and is expected to return in mid-2025.
- The signing reflects the Red Sox's strategy to improve their pitching depth going forward.
In December 2024, the Boston Red Sox finalized a significant two-year contract with pitcher Patrick Sandoval, valued at $18.2 million. Sandoval, a 28-year-old left-handed pitcher, is currently recovering from elbow ligament surgery that he underwent in June 2023 after experiencing a UCL tear during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This injury significantly hindered his last season, where he left with a 2-8 record and a 5.08 ERA after 16 starts for the Los Angeles Angels. Sandoval's career statistics reveal more about his performance and struggles. Over six major league seasons with the Angels, he has a record of 19-45 and an ERA of 4.01 in 100 starts and seven relief appearances. His most effective season came in 2022 when he posted a 2.91 ERA across 27 starts. However, his ability to stay on the mound has been unreliable, attributed in part to command issues. As a pitcher with potential but plagued by injuries, the Red Sox view Sandoval as a depth piece for their rotation moving forward. The Boston Red Sox’s decision to sign Sandoval aligns with the team’s need for pitching depth, especially given the losses they’ve faced over recent seasons. Although he will not return to active play until the latter half of the 2025 MLB season, the front office is taking a long-term view, hoping that Sandoval can contribute effectively when he is able to pitch again. The addition of Sandoval comes at a time when the Red Sox are restructuring and adding veteran arms to enhance their rotation. In addition to Sandoval, the Red Sox reportedly signed another pitcher, Walker Buehler, exemplifying their commitment to bolstering their pitching staff. Both pitchers bring experience and have faced significant health challenges but have shown flashes of talent in their careers. Sandoval’s ability to potentially impact the Red Sox rotation when he returns makes this signing a calculated risk for the franchise as they look to improve their overall performance in the coming seasons.