The Boston Red Sox remain active in the starting pitching market, as anticipated. Following the acquisition of Garret Crochet in a trade with the Chicago White Sox, they have made another move to bolster their 2025 rotation.
“Left-hander Patrick Sandoval and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a two-year, $18.25 million contract, sources tell ESPN,” reported Jeff Passan on Twitter. “Sandoval, 28, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and expects to return in the second half. This deal gives Boston a valuable asset for 2026 as well.”
While Sandoval won’t be ready to pitch by Opening Day, his addition provides much-needed depth for a Red Sox team that relied on 13 different starting pitchers in 2024. Sandoval underwent Tommy John surgery in June after 16 starts and 79 2/3 innings. Over the previous two seasons, he delivered a 3.50 ERA (121 ERA+) in 55 starts, with a 279-to-134 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a .251 opponent batting average.
The Red Sox have a history of similar signings, such as James Paxton in December 2021 and closer Liam Hendriks last offseason. Both were signed to two-year deals while recovering from Tommy John surgery, with expectations they’d return midseason. However, neither pitched during the first year of their contracts.
Boston’s renowned training staff and pitching coaches, led by Andrew Bailey, are highly regarded for helping pitchers regain form after injuries. There’s optimism that Bailey can unlock Sandoval’s potential, but questions remain about his exact return timeline.
“Sandoval will earn $5.5 million in 2025 and $12.75 million in 2026,” noted Alex Speier of The Boston Globe. “While the Red Sox are still exploring other rotation options, Sandoval offers potential late-season help and a key piece for 2026.”
Whether Sandoval’s initial $5.5 million salary will go solely toward his rehabilitation or he’ll contribute to Boston’s bid to end their four-year postseason drought remains to be seen.
