The Red Sox are at least looking for starting pitching. The question now is whether they’ll be able to scoop up free agents for the rotation as quickly as they have for the outfield.
At least one pitcher Boston has reached out to, Ryan Dempster, appears to be out of the running. Gordon Edes of ESPN reports that Dempster has turned down a two-year, $25 million offer from the Red Sox. Dempster is thought to be looking for a three-year deal, which other teams may be willing to give.
Dempster, 35, became a capable starter for the Cubs after switching from the bullpen in 2008, and he filled in well for the Texas Rangers down the stretch last season. But the Red Sox have been careful about the length of deals they’ve handed out lately, and they may be unwilling to go for more than two years with a pitcher who is getting up in years.
