Red Sox Make Strategic Move: Two-Year Contract with Rehabbing Left-Hander Patrick Sandoval

The Pitching Landscape The Red Sox have faced challenges with their pitching lineup in recent years, and the addition of Sandoval represents a calculated risk. After six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Sandoval has demonstrated flashes of brilliance, particularly in 2022 when he achieved a career-low 2.91 ERA. The team hopes that Sandoval's previous successes can translate into a formidable presence on the mound once he is fully recovered. Sandoval’s Career Highlights Before his injury, Sandoval showed potential as a reliable starter. Over his career, he has posted a 4.01 ERA, with notable performances in the World Baseball Classic where he achieved a remarkable 1.23 ERA for Team Mexico. His ability to strike out batters—151 strikeouts in 148.2 innings in 2022—demonstrates his capacity to be an impactful pitcher, even if his early 2024 season was marred by a 5.08 ERA over 16 starts. The Recovery Timeline Fans eager to see Sandoval in action will have to exercise patience. After undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery in June 2024, he is expected to miss the first half of the 2025 season. This timeline puts the Red Sox in a position where they are investing in a player who may not contribute immediately, but whose potential could pay off significantly in 2026 and beyond.

Looking Ahead As the Red Sox look to the future, the signing of Sandoval could signal a shift in their approach to building a competitive roster. With a focus on long-term gains rather than short-term fixes, this move could pay dividends if Sandoval returns to form. The Red Sox will likely continue to monitor his recovery closely while exploring other opportunities to strengthen their pitching staff.