Most of the big-name MLB free agents have been signed, leaving some teams hoping to make a big splash increasingly desperate. That’s good news for the remaining stars still available, as more potential buyers mean more leverage for the player and a better payday. Nathan Eovaldi has found himself in that scenario.
At least five teams have pursued the 2021 All-Star pitcher, according to a report from WEEI’s Rob Bradford. Potential bidders for Eovaldi, according to the article, include the San Diego Padres, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Texas Rangers. At least two and possibly three other teams are in on Eovaldi, as well.
Mentioned: Padres. Angels. Rangers. And at least two others, possibly three (including an American League East club not named the Red Sox). https://t.co/v0bSy0zeph
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) December 23, 2022
One of those teams is an AL East club. But it’s not the Boston Red Sox, where Eovaldi played the past five seasons.
It’s likely not the New York Yankees, either. They were reportedly interested in the veteran as a backup option before they signed Carlos Rodón on December 15.
So there’s a lot of demand for the former All-Star, who enjoyed a very solid 2022. He posted a 6-3 mark and 3.87 ERA in 20 starts for Boston last year. In 2021, he led all of baseball in FIP, but his ballooned up to 4.30 last season.
Eovaldi throws strikes and can eat innings — the type of pitcher almost every team in baseball can use. Not that everyone can afford him; Eovaldi turned down Boston’s qualifying offer for one-year, $19.65 million.
[MLB.com]
