The Boston Red Sox are all about reunions these days.
The Red Sox met with free-agent pitcher Justin Masterson on Saturday in his hometown of Indianapolis, according to CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman and 1500 ESPN’s Darren Wolfson.
Masterson is scheduled to meet with the Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins and possibly the Chicago Cubs at this week’s Major League Baseball winter meetings in San Diego, according to Heyman. The Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants, Minnesota Twins and several other teams reportedly have shown interest in the 2013 All-Star.
Masterson was drafted by the Red Sox in 2006 and broke into the majors with Boston in 2008. The right-hander appeared in 67 regular-season games with the Red Sox between 2008 and 2009 before being traded to the Cleveland Indians as part of the deal that sent Victor Martinez to Boston.
The Red Sox already reunited with Hanley Ramirez earlier this offseason. They also remain very much involved in the Jon Lester sweepstakes, though there are conflicting reports as to whether Boston is among the finalists for the left-hander. A reunion with Masterson wouldn’t generate quite the same buzz, but it’s an interesting possibility given that the 29-year-old is coming off a disappointing season and represents a buy-low option with upside.
Masterson, who was traded from Cleveland to the St. Louis Cardinals at this year’s MLB trade deadline, finished the season with a 7-9 record and 5.88 ERA in 28 appearances (25 starts) between the two destinations. He was removed from the Cardinals’ rotation late in the season and didn’t crack St. Louis’ NLDS or NLCS rosters.
Masterson went 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA during his 2013 All-Star campaign.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
