REPORT: Red Sox Sign $25 Million Former First-Round Draft Pick to Add Lefty Arm

The Boston Red Sox have made it clear they are seeking a right-handed bat to balance their predominantly left-handed lineup, as noted by chief of baseball operations Craig Breslow. However, their starting pitching rotation faces the opposite challenge, with only one left-handed pitcher: newly acquired Garrett Crochet. The rest of the rotation is right-handed.

Boston signed former Angels lefty Patrick Sandoval in December, but the 28-year-old is recovering from Tommy John surgery and won’t pitch until mid-2025 at the earliest. Compounding the issue, the Red Sox are counting on Lucas Giolito, their biggest free-agent signing from last year, as their No. 5 starter. Giolito, a 2012 first-round pick of the Nationals and a 2019 All-Star with the White Sox, missed all of 2024 due to elbow surgery. If he struggles, the team may have to rely on Kutter Crawford, another righty, who led the league in home runs allowed (34) and losses (16) last season.

Two years ago, the Red Sox pursued left-hander Andrew Heaney, who had just posted a strong 3.10 ERA with the Dodgers, striking out 110 in 72 2/3 innings with only 19 walks. Ultimately, Heaney opted to sign a $25 million, two-year deal with the Texas Rangers to pitch closer to his Oklahoma home. Now a free agent again, the 33-year-old Heaney is regarded as the top left-handed starter available, according to analyst Leo Morgenstern of Just Baseball.

Heaney, a 2012 first-round pick by the Marlins, has overcome the injury struggles that previously hindered his career. Over two seasons in Texas, he pitched 66 games (59 starts) and logged over 300 innings, demonstrating durability. Morgenstern predicts Heaney could sign a deal similar to his previous contract but for entirely different reasons. For the Red Sox, signing Heaney on their second attempt could be a cost-effective way to add a reliable left-handed starter to the front of their rotation.