Chase Anderson, a right-handed pitcher, has joined the Red Sox on a major league contract, as reported by MassLive.com’s Chris Cotillo. Anderson’s time in free agency was brief, as he was recently released from his minor league deal with the Pirates.
Before Friday’s deadline, Anderson and other Article XX(B) free agents had to decide whether to exercise opt-out clauses in their minor league contracts unless they were included on the 26-man active roster. Since the Pirates appeared to have other preferences for their starting rotation, Anderson chose to opt out and swiftly found a new team with the Red Sox after reentering the free-agent market.
If Anderson makes an appearance in a Major League Baseball game, it will mark his eighth team in his ten-year MLB career. He had successful seasons with the Diamondbacks and Brewers from 2014 to 2019 but has struggled significantly since then, recording a 6.19 ERA over 192 innings since 2020.
Over the past four-plus years, Anderson has played for seven teams, including two stints with the Rays. He has seen action with the Blue Jays, Phillies, Reds, Rays, and Rockies at the big league level. Last season, he had a 5.75 ERA in 17 starts and 81 1/3 innings for the Rockies, who needed innings due to injuries in their rotation. While Boston’s pitching situation isn’t as dire, there is uncertainty in their projected starting rotation consisting of Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, Kutter Crawford, Garrett Whitlock, and Tanner Houck.
The absence of Lucas Giolito due to season-ending elbow surgery has further depleted Boston’s rotation depth. Anderson can fill a swingman role, stepping in for spot starts if needed. His guaranteed big league deal reflects the Red Sox’s urgency to bolster their pitching before Opening Day, although the details of the deal are likely not overly expensive.
