Predicting the Boston Red Sox 2016 Starting Rotation With David Price

Predicting the Boston Red Sox 2016 Starting Rotation

The Boston Red Sox had another disappointing season in 2015, with a 78-84 record that put them in the basement of the American League East. New club president Dave Dombrowski has not sat on his hands this winter, with David Price coming aboard on a big contract and a trade for closer Craig Kimbrel. Here's my prediction for Boston's 2016 starting rotation.

Predicting the Boston Red Sox 2016 Starting Rotation

The Boston Red Sox had another disappointing season in 2015, with a 78-84 record that put them in the basement of the American League East. New club president Dave Dombrowski has not sat on his hands this winter, with David Price coming aboard on a big contract and a trade for closer Craig Kimbrel. Here's my prediction for Boston's 2016 starting rotation.

1. David Price

The wisdom of a seven-year deal for a 30-year old pitcher can be questioned, but Price is a legit No. 1 starter and a staff ace even without the big salary.

1. David Price

The wisdom of a seven-year deal for a 30-year old pitcher can be questioned, but Price is a legit No. 1 starter and a staff ace even without the big salary.

2. Clay Buchholz

Buchholz has been a perpetual disappointment in recent years, with injuries limiting him and ERAs of 4.56 (2012) and 5.34 (2014) in the last two seasons he has made more than 25 starts. But he's legitimately Boston's No. 2 starter, based at least partially on what could be if he puts it all together.

2. Clay Buchholz

Buchholz has been a perpetual disappointment in recent years, with injuries limiting him and ERAs of 4.56 (2012) and 5.34 (2014) in the last two seasons he has made more than 25 starts. But he's legitimately Boston's No. 2 starter, based at least partially on what could be if he puts it all together.

3. Rick Porcello

The Red Sox overpaid to get Porcello a year ago, and he predictably delivered an at-best mediocre season (9-15, 4.92 ERA over 28 starts). A good finish, as he went at least seven innings in seven of his final eight starts with a 3.14 ERA over that stretch, offers some hope for better things from Porcello next season.

3. Rick Porcello

The Red Sox overpaid to get Porcello a year ago, and he predictably delivered an at-best mediocre season (9-15, 4.92 ERA over 28 starts). A good finish, as he went at least seven innings in seven of his final eight starts with a 3.14 ERA over that stretch, offers some hope for better things from Porcello next season.

4. Eduardo Rodriguez

Rodriguez went 10-6 with a 3.85 ERA over 21 starts for the Red Sox last season, and he allowed three runs or less in each of his last seven starts (2.08 ERA over that span). The young southpaw has a place in Boston's starting rotation for 2016.

4. Eduardo Rodriguez

Rodriguez went 10-6 with a 3.85 ERA over 21 starts for the Red Sox last season, and he allowed three runs or less in each of his last seven starts (2.08 ERA over that span). The young southpaw has a place in Boston's starting rotation for 2016.

5. Joe Kelly

Kelly had a poor 2015 season (4.82 ERA over 25 starts), but he did have a 2.35 ERA over his last eight starts. Trade rumors surrounded Kelly during the Winter Meetings, but he looks sure to be back in Boston heading into 2016.

5. Joe Kelly

Kelly had a poor 2015 season (4.82 ERA over 25 starts), but he did have a 2.35 ERA over his last eight starts. Trade rumors surrounded Kelly during the Winter Meetings, but he looks sure to be back in Boston heading into 2016.