Starting pitching arguably is the Boston Red Sox's greatest need as we head into the second month of Major League Baseball free agency.
Perhaps the issue will be addressed with a Cy Young winner.
MLB Network's Jon Morosi on Tuesday night reported the Red Sox have shown interest in free-agent right-hander Corey Kluber. ESPN's Buster Olney on Wednesday morning followed up with a report indicating Boston is among the three likeliest landing spots for the three-time All-Star.
Injuries marred the last two seasons for Kluber, who dealt with a fractured right arm, abdominal tightness and a torn teres major muscle over the course of his final year with the Cleveland Indians and his debut campaign with the Texas Rangers. The 34-year-old was limited to eight starts and 36 2/3 total innings dating back to the start of the 2019 season.
But according to WEEI's Rob Bradford, Kluber currently has a clean bill of health and would be able to take on a normal spring training from the get-go without restrictions. Considering the two-time American League Cy Young winner likely can be had for cheap, it potentially could be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Red Sox, whose starting staff was among the worst in baseball in 2020.
And as Morosi suggests, Boston potentially could have a leg up in the Kluber sweepstakes given his offseason home is roughly 10 miles from Fenway Park.