Red Sox Sign Free Agent Left-Hander

 

It's not exactly the big free agent splash that Boston Red Sox fans have been hoping for, but the team has added a left-handed arm to their bullpen, agreeing to a one-year contract with 31-year-old Joely Rodriguez.

The #RedSox today signed LHP Joely Rodríguez to a one-year contract for the 2023 season, with a club option for 2024. pic.twitter.com/LdYgv3BAU2

— Red Sox (@RedSox) November 23, 2022

The deal is worth a guaranteed $2M , and the club has a $4.25M option for a second year.  

Full details:

2023- 1.5m salary + 2m in active roster bonuses

2024- 4.25m club option
Buyout: 500k

Up to 250k each year in performance bonuses for games pitched

Total guarantee 2m. Max earnings 8.25m over two years.

— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) November 23, 2022

Rodriguez will earn $1.5M in the first year, plus a $500K buyout in the 2nd year if the Red Sox don't pick up the option. He can also earn an extra $250K each year for games played bonuses.

The southpaw spent the 2022 season with the New York Mets, compiling a 4.47 ERA while striking out 10.2 per nine innings. Red Sox guru Brian Barrett has more on his numbers:

Joely Rodriguez

12% walk rate - 137th of 152 qualified relievers

Walks are scary!

There are some good numbers though

Prevents loud contact

31.8% hard hit rate (off the bat 95 mph +) - 23rd

34.7% chase rate - that’s in the 94th percentile https://t.co/3oHwB0PS1V

— Brian Barrett (@itsbrianbarrett) November 23, 2022

Rodriguez has a nice chase rate, in the 94th percentile (as evidenced by the 10.2 K/9), but combines that with very poor control, walking 4.6 per nine innings for a 12% walk rate, which ranks him 137th of 152 qualified relievers.

 As well, the fielding-independent metrics do show that he's pitched better than his career 4.56 ERA would indicate. He'll provide some left-handed depth for the Sox bullpen.

 Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports