Boston Red Sox Make Low-Risk, High Reward Signing of Justin Masterson
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After missing out on Jon Lester in free agency, the Boston Red Sox knew they had to pursue several other options in the starting rotation. They’ve bolstered that rotation, which has been a bit of a question mark, by trading for Rick Porcello and signing free agent Justin Masterson.
Masterson, whose contract terms have yet to be announced, makes a lot of sense in Boston. Since he had previously said he was willing to take a cheap, one-year deal in 2015 in order to re-establish his value, the Red Sox likely didn’t pay very much for a potential No. 3 starter. However, it was previously reported the team had offered him a multi-year deal.
At the very worst, the Red Sox have other options in the rotation. At the best, Masterson returns to form and the Red Sox got a steal in this signing.
After putting together his best professional season in 2013, going 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA and 195 strikeouts, Masterson majorly struggled in 2014. After being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline, he went 3-3 with a 7.04 ERA and was relegated to the bullpen due to his struggles.
A change of scenery should benefit Masterson, who has shown the ability to be a very solid professional pitcher. Since he’s only 29 years old, Masterson still may not have reached his prime. However, should he reach his full potential, it will now be with the Red Sox. With his high upside, the Red Sox may have gotten a bargain.
Needing to be more creative in their pitching pursuit after missing out on Lester, the Red Sox have added some much-needed depth to the rotation. On a day they landed Porcello and Masterson, the hurt of being spurned by Lester begins to slowly subside.
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