The Red Sox have had an eye on adding pitching depth in the form of minor-league free agents, according to a baseball source. But, in a situation similar to last year, they’re not the most appealing destination for veteran free agents because opportunity in the big leagues appears scarce.
Perhaps that may change. For one, spring training is more than halfway gone. Two, the Red Sox may be able to provide more opportunity than originally thought, at least at the outset of the season.
Drew Pomeranz, Eduardo Rodriguez and Steven Wright could all start the year on the disabled list. That leaves opportunity for some combination of Brian Johnson, Hector Velazquez and Roenis Elias. They're not proven commodities, and if two or even three are in the big leagues, new opportunities are created at Triple-A Pawtucket. And any further health situation could create more opportunity at either level.
The free-agent market’s frozen state had a trickle-down effect to the minor leagues, stalling many players beyond the biggest names. The Sox last year had Kyle Kendrick in camp as something of a reclamation project. The righty did make it to the big leagues with the Sox, although he didn't pitch well.