The Boston Red Sox have been quite active in the past 48 hours, making significant moves such as trading John Schreiber to the Royals and signing Liam Hendriks, a three-time All-Star, to a two-year, $10 million contract.
These transactions have taken place as Spring Training commences in Fort Myers, and they have caught some off guard. Schreiber, who has been a valuable member of the bullpen, and Hendriks, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and unlikely to pitch in meaningful games until July at the earliest, were not anticipated moves.
Now, let’s delve into what these maneuvers signify for the Red Sox after an offseason that was largely considered underwhelming.
At just 29 years old, Schreiber proved to be a revelation for the Red Sox since joining the team before the 2021 season. Following a lackluster tenure with the Detroit Tigers, he delivered an impressive 2.90 ERA across two years and 114.2 innings with the Red Sox.
In return for Schreiber, the Red Sox acquired David Sandlin, a promising 22-year-old power pitching prospect. Sandlin, ranked 16th in the Kansas City system by Fangraphs in July 2023, is projected to make his Major League debut by 2026.
The value of the Hendriks signing is somewhat more challenging to ascertain. Although the 35-year-old Hendriks only pitched five innings last season before undergoing Tommy John surgery, he has consistently displayed excellence when healthy.
After making a mechanical adjustment before the 2019 season, Liam Hendriks has experienced remarkable success, earning three All-Star selections, recording 115 saves, and even receiving votes for the Cy Young and MVP awards. Undoubtedly, his track record is impressive. However, it remains uncertain what he will bring to the table moving forward. The process of recovering form after Tommy John surgery is unpredictable, particularly for a 35-year-old pitcher.
What Does it All Mean?
The moves made by the Red Sox, including trading John Schreiber and signing Liam Hendriks, carry implications for the upcoming 2024 season. These transactions align with the overall message conveyed by the team throughout the winter.
The Red Sox appear to be prioritizing the future over immediate success. While this approach may be frustrating, it does provide some assurance that the team is actively working towards becoming competitive in the near future.
Initially, these moves might appear insignificant or even confusing when viewed in isolation. Trading a highly talented reliever for a pitcher in A-ball and signing an injured 35-year-old player could raise eyebrows. However, with a broader perspective, the reasoning behind these decisions becomes clearer.
Both Transactions Move Boston in the Right Direction
In summary, the decision to trade John Schreiber was the right move for the Red Sox. The team had an excess of right-handed relievers, and with Schreiber, Kenley Jansen, and Chris Martin competing for two late-inning roles, it was inevitable that one or more of them would be traded. Schreiber was the most attainable due to Jansen’s high salary and age, as well as the difficulty of prying Martin away with his impressive 1.05 ERA.
Selling high on Schreiber at this point made sense for multiple reasons. While he has been consistently excellent over the past two seasons, last year’s underlying statistics tell a different story. He posted a career-high walk rate and FIP, and his unorthodox pitching motion makes him prone to injuries. Additionally, he will be turning 30 before the season starts and missed significant time in the previous season due to a lat strain.
On the other hand, the acquisition of David Sandlin brings excitement to the Red Sox organization. The team has been lacking in pitching prospects, and the opportunity to add a young, talented starter was enticing for new GM Craig Breslow. Sandlin possesses a powerful fastball that sits around 95-96 mph and can touch 99 mph. His high strikeout rate adds to his promise, although he is relatively inexperienced and has pitched mostly in single-A with limited innings per start. Nonetheless, he is a valuable addition to a pitching-thin farm system.
The signing of Liam Hendriks primarily focuses on the future. While he will be out for a significant period due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery, if he heals properly, he will provide the Red Sox with a star closer for the 2025 season. Moreover, his presence makes Jansen and Martin expendable, allowing the team to potentially acquire additional young talent in exchange for them. The financial aspect is also beneficial, as replacing Jansen’s higher salary with Hendriks’s lower one provides the Red Sox with more flexibility to pursue star players and commit fully to competing in 2025.
While these transactions may not initially generate overwhelming excitement, taking a closer look reveals the rationale behind them. The Red Sox now have a clearer plan in place, even though it may be frustrating to potentially endure another season without competitiveness. It’s a step toward a more concrete future for the team, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds.
