Red Sox’s Ranger Suarez Signing Labeled ‘Desperate,’ But There’s A Catch

The Boston Red Sox made their first foray into free agency this offseason, as they signed All-Star starting pitcher Ranger Suarez to a five-year, $130 million contract. After losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs, the Sox quickly pivoted and further reinforced their starting rotation.

The decision to sign Suarez was a bit of a surprise, given that Boston already acquired a pair of starters, Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, in trades earlier this offseason. The addition of Suarez, though, gives the Sox a proven No. 2 starter who can slot in right behind Garrett Crochet.

Public perception of Suarez’s signing has been a bit mixed, and if you ask Chris Cotillo of MassLive, this was a “desperate” move for the Sox. However, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as he commended the front office for going out and doing what it took to land one of their top free agent targets.

“This move was a desperate one, but good for them for being desperate in the way they were,” Cotillo said on “Fenway Rundown.” “It’s not a knock that they just said, ‘Screw it, let’s do it.’ That’s what people want them to do. They want them to take risks.”

Suarez isn’t exactly the cleanest fit with the Red Sox given their prior offseason work, but there’s no doubt his addition makes the team better. And now that he’s onboard, that could open the door for the team to make other moves to address some of their bigger holes.

Signing Suarez doesn’t solve all of Boston’s issues, but it should get the ball rolling at least. Now, all eyes will be on Craig Breslow and company to see what’s next, as there will surely be several moves to come in the wake of this big signing.