2:07pm: Andriese is guaranteed $1.85MM in 2021 plus at least a $250K buyout on a $3.5MM option for the 2022 season, tweets Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. He can earn up to $500K worth of incentives each season if he tops 150 innings, and his 2022 salary would rise by $1MM if he hits that mark in 2021.
1:04pm: The Red Sox have agreed to terms on a contract with right-hander Matt Andriese, per a club announcement. The Beverly Hills Sports Council client will receive a one-year, Major League deal with a club option for the 2022 season. He’s guaranteed $2.1MM on the contract and could earn up to $7.35MM if the 2022 option is exercised, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman (Twitter links).
The signing reunites the 31-year-old righty with Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom, who played a hand in the Rays’ 2014 acquisition of Andriese in a trade with the Padres. Andriese would go on to make his MLB debut as a Ray in 2015, and in parts of four seasons in Tampa Bay he worked to a 4.30 ERA and 4.13 FIP with 7.8 K/9, 2.4 BB/9, 1.27 HR/9 and a 45.6 percent ground-ball rate.
Traded from Tampa Bay to Arizona prior to the 2018 deadline, Andriese has struggled to regain his footing, however. He’d been a swingman with the Rays, working both as a traditional starter and multi-inning reliever, but the D-backs moved him into a full-time relief role with lackluster results. It was a similar story this past season in Anaheim after the Diamondbacks traded Andriese to the Angels.
In 121 2/3 innings since being traded by the Rays, Andriese owns a 5.53 ERA, albeit with a much better 3.95 xFIP. He’s seen his strikeout rate (9.6 K/9) improve considerably in that time, and Andriese still possesses above-average spin on both his four-seamer and his curveball, which may have been appealing for the Red Sox.
Andriese is capable of working out of the ’pen or in the rotation, which figures to be key for the Sox with so many question marks surrounding the health of their starters. Chris Sale is on the mend from Tommy John surgery, while Nathan Eovaldi has a lengthy injury history and Eduardo Rodriguez missed all of 2020 following a bout with Covid-19 and a subsequent myocarditis diagnosis.
This is a minor upgrade over who they deployed last year put it the bullpen. Probably long-relief here. Hopefully they didn’t spend too much. Not a terrible signing depending on price.
Pounds – the article list the price as….“He’s guaranteed $2.1MM on the contract and could earn up to $7.35MM if the 2022 option is exercised”…..
@DHS- Typical MLBTR articles talking about contract signings they will first post the news of the signing and then update the article a little later with what the contract details are. Poundsy posted his statement before the contract details were in.
MASSLIVE:
“The Boston Red Sox have signed right-handed pitcher Matt Andriese to a one-year contract with an option for 2022.
Andriese will receive a $1.85 million base salary for 2021. The contract includes a $3.5 million club option with a $250,000 buyout for 2022. Overall, it includes $2.1 million guaranteed.”
MASSLIVE:
“ Catcher Deivy Grullón was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds, opening a spot for Andriese on Boston’s 40-man roster.”
DHS – I commented before the price was listed obviously.
Any one of us is probably a ‘minor upgrade over who they deployed last year”… that’s a lower bar than hitting the mendoza line, BY FAR.
There’s too many good pieces here that could be built around to accept that standard.
Either blow the team up for legitimate prospects, OR, get some real non-dumpster diving pieces that give the team a chance.
No more of this half pregnant stuff bloom!
No one knows what financial constraints Bloom has except he and ownership. The modus operandi seems to be short term contracts for players who potentially can be flipped at the deadline for prospects. That strategy is good for the long haul, but doesn’t translate to competitiveness this coming season.
When you don’t yet know whether or not you’re pregnant, why not make a move or two that like in 13, if most things go right you can surprise the world but if not, you can quickly regroup to try again.
I think there may be financial constraints on Bloom that the powers that be will be rigid and not allow him the latitude to put together a truly competitive team. I’m all for getting solid players and acquire pieces as others make them available to go for it so to speak. I think that they are trying to make this team saleable as crazy as that might sound. One way is to keep payroll in the middle of the pack, build the farm, and trade prospects for proven veterans when this group can compete. There’s no guarantee that fans will be allowed in stadiums at this point. They’ll err on the conservative side until the dust settles I’m afraid. Sure would like to see JBJ back.
Wow what a great post. A COULD NOT AGREE MORE
I mean, anything is an upgrade over 2020’s pitching staff. As a Sox fan all I want is a stable of established, halfway decent arms. You know, guys that have actually pitched to major leaguers in the past 3 years.
Assuming all the players return on track as expected, not an unreasonable assumption, you have the following for the next couple seasons still in their peak/prime years. At substantial salaries, and to begin declining in a couple years:
Bogaerts; Sale; JDM; Eovaldi; Vazquez.
Erod on an expiring contract. Verdugo and Devers approaching arbitration full swing.
This isn’t a group you’re waiting to see peak and you take 3 or 4 years to assemble a supporting cast for when you find out if they’re for real.
This is a group you’re supposed to fill the gaps and GO FOR IT. NOW.
If Henry wants NESN subscribers, and wants to see fans spending money on this team, then Henry needs to cracking open that wallet that he’s glued shut.
Either Henry is being too cheap, or, Bloom is getting too cute trying too hard to find some hidden gems to justify his existence. Likely some of both.
But the point is, they openly and publicly punted on the 2020 season and gave away a generational talent in the process.
NESN result cratered because… who wants to watch the dumpster fire of a gm searching scrap heaps to find a mkb average guy or two at bargain basement prices while having 20 other attempts fail spectacularly.
If you’re going to again flush 2021 down the toilet and waste the prime seasons of the assembled talent, you should TRADE that talent and blow everything up. It’s not like this is a young core with 6 years relatively cheap control left and a wave of aaa talent knocking on the door about to become part of said core.
Hey I’m with you. Totally agree. They were a dumpster fire last year. I’d like to see aggressive signings and hope EROD, Evoldi and Sale have great years. At least make an effort. The recent revelation that Henry was looking to take the team public by floating some type of IPO shows me that he’s ready to sell some part of the team, and perhaps retain decision making all the while taking out cash. I could be wrong but by keeping costs low, one would make an outside investment more attractive and raise the value of the club. He’s a business man. If it were a grocery store chain, he’d do the same thing.
These are nothing but band-aid moves and more penny-pinching by John Henry. Bloom probably figures one more last place finish should get the rebuild in full swing.
underrated pickup. this guy is a solid swingman that Bloom is familiar with.
DarkSide – I agree.
In 3 1/2 years with Tampa being used as a swingman/multi-inning reliever:
ERA – 4.30
IN – 339.0
H – 345
BB – 89
SO – 293
WHIP – 1.280
Andriese looks like a bulk inning guy or spot starter. He was descent in that role.
There will need to be a corresponding move made.
And in the 2-1/2 season’s since he was traded away by Tampa?
Ever heard of what have you done for me lately? This guy ain’t done much…
GA – “Any one of us is probably a ‘minor upgrade over who they deployed last year”
I would love to see your ERA after one inning….is GA big enough to hold your ego…I doubt it.
oh that is SO encouraging
3.6 Roentgen.
nice
The option is pure genius. We’ll double you salary next year if you don’t suck. Proverbial carrot on a stick.
Isn’t that the point of most options?
That’s pretty much every contract option for every player, ever.
This guy is bad. Watched enough angels game to know, people are saying kahle to dodgers for arguably the same is an overpay but this dude who’s mediocre at best is a great deal? Ok.
Given that his ERA+ with the Angels is exactly league-average, it is difficult to state that he is bad.
“Why can’t I quit you?” Chaim Bloom
He was the one guy the Angels non-tendered who I thought might be worth keeping. He’s not good, but he’s not bad, and he’s capable of going multiple innings.
Team had perez, who wasn’t great but was dependable. That’s the most upside this guy can give, a perez type ceiling.
They declined the option on perez for a buyout, saving about 4-5 million to pay this guy and try net saving only 2 million of their prior savings on a guy with the same ceiling.
Bloom isn’t showing himself to be cut out for Boston.
Trying to compare an SP with an RP makes no sense.
And I liked Perez, but his peripherals were awful. In the past three season, his K/W was 1.78, which has to be close to the bottom of the barrel, and his ERA/FIP was 5.30/4.99.
Joe – completely agree! Perez was not cheap at $6.85 million and his peripherals were horrible. I will be curious to see what he eventually signs for.
@Joe Brady – he isn’t being hired to just be a middle inning reliever, or billed as such.
You dont give 150 IP incentives per year to a one inning RP guy. He is being looked at as used as a starter by bloom, and needs to be compared/evaluated as such.
oh that is SO encouraging
The guy is definitely mediocre at best. At least he is a body to put out on the mound every 5th game……as long as the Sox have a strong bullpen ready.
FINALLY!! A #1 starter!
I know it’s hard not to get frustrated at the low end signings going on here. I would think he is either Spring Training “Fill The Slate”out or stockage for Triple AAA next year.
Think of it this way: right now, we have Barnes, Brasier, Hernandez, and Taylor. That leaves at least three holes in the BP. At least one figured to be a low-end guy.
When the pitching starved angels give up on a 31 year old journeyman… yup, bloom found a gold nugget!
Next up is Jake Faria to be the #2 starter. And Wilmer Font to close.
As long as Chaim has a job, ex-Rays pitchers will never go hungry.
to late, both those guys signed already.
Faria signed with the Angels, maybe he will be “the #2 starter” in Anaheim. Font went to the KBO.
Bob was still busy eating those ostrich balls and missed those posts.
You hired Bloom. You get Bloom. Please note the team he assembled made the WS this year, while Boston watched. Give him time.
Welcome to the new Tampa Bay north a roster built with low budget pieces. This is not my father’s Red Sox
Your father’s Red Sox finished last last year.
Can never have enough pitching. Low risk signing. When are the Sox going to sign Kevin Pillar? A true no brainer
Red Sox released Deivy Grullón to make room on 40-man. Don’t get that, he’s a nice 3rd catcher option. Why release him, when we have Rustin Pedroia on the 40-man.
Red Sox had four catchers on the 40 man roster. They obviously ranked Grullon fourth. Pedroia will be moved to the 60 day DL opening up his spot on the 40 man roster.
Connor Wong has played 40 games above A ball, Grullon has played a full season at Triple AAA. There was a role as 3rd catcher for Grullon, that Wong can’t fill. You looking to put Pedroia on 60 day DL, for what? Hoping for a long term solution there?
Dennyd- I thought that too, but then saw this:
Chris Hatfield
@SoxProspect: ChrisHatfield
RE: “Grullon, he’s hitting .211/.211/.316 in a small, 38 AB sample this winter in the DR. 11 K, 0 BB. He has also allowed 8 of 8 stolen base attempts against him. Part of me wonders if Sox didn’t love what they saw from him down there and at ATS after claiming him.”
The signing by the Red Sox is a little bit of a head scratcher. The perfect scouting report was given by another poster when he said, “He’s not good, but he’s not bad, and he’s capable of going multiple innings.” I guess in today’s marketplace Andriese will be marginally acceptable.
Good move and should be an improvement over Perez
Amazing how so many are praising this signing. Andrese was awful last season for the Halos. He got hit hard. Not a reliable starter or reliever. Wish him the best, maybe he can rebound with the Sox. But I am very glad that he has moved on. Halos needed better bullpen/starter pieces.
Here’s the thing. You and a couple of others mentioned how bad he was last year. But his ERA+ was exactly a league-average 100. He had an excellent Whip of 1.000, an excellent K/W of 3.00, and a decent FIP of 4.28.
There is nothing remarkable about him, but I don’t see a single bad stat from last year.
Good for you, Joe Brady. I’m sick of these nattering nabobs of negativity.
Thank you Spiro. Every fan base has its unique personality. The Mets fan always think they are among the best teams in BB. Yankee fans always think their prospects, even that 26 year old A+ player, will land a #3 SP in a trade.
The RS fans don’t understand low-level adds. If you’re not a star, you’re a bum.
Joe – totally agree! Ask 100 Red Sox fans to name even half the AAA roster, and I would be surprised if even 2 or 3 could.
@JoeBrady–” But his ERA+ was exactly a league-average 100.”
2019 AL
6 teams above league average ERA
9 teams below league average ERA: 1 had above .500 team win%
2019 NL
8 teams above league average ERA: 1 had below .500 team win%
7 teams below league average ERA: 1 had above .500 team win%, 1 had .500
2020 AL
7 teams above league average ERA: 1 had below .500 team win%
8 teams below league average ERA: 1 had above .500 team win%
2020 NL
7 teams above league average ERA: 1 had below .500 team win%
8 teams below league average ERA: 1 had above .500 team win%
Seems to me that having a better than average ERA leads to more wins.
Not a terrble signing. Gives some flexibility as a swingman. Was wondering when Bloom would start signing some of his old guys. Odorizzi would be a decent follow up
My Red Sox wishlist:
C: Vazquez
1B: Moreland/Dalbec/Chavis
2B: Wong, Panik, or Schoop/Chavis
3B: Devers (or Arenado)
SS: Bogaerts
LF: Rosario/Renfroe
CF: Verdugo/Benintendi
RF: Benintendi/Verdugo
DH: JDM/Renfroe
SP: Sale, ERod, Eovaldi, Kluber, Paxton (all health concerns though so maybe even one more starter)
RP: Andriese, Barnes, Houck, Pivetta, Bradley, Giles
Extras: La Stella, Devenski, Boxberger, McGee, Rosenthall
ZERO chance they sign Kluber or Paxton unless the come one ONE year deals under 5 million.
I think some of the fans need to take this in context.
Just for fun, if you look at the Yankees top 6 RPs in terms of IPs, 3 were better and three were worse. If you look at TO’s top 9, four were worse. Half of Houston’s top-10 were worse. 4 of TB’s top-10. 2 of the Indians top-5.
The stats are cherry-picked, but the point is that every BP is going to have guys that are thoroughly mediocre. No one has a BP of all above-average RPs, no one can afford a BP of all above-average RPs, but most importantly, no one needs a BP of all above-average RPs.
Occasionally, all you need is someone to allow one ER in two IPs.
JoeBrady, look man, stats are not everything. I can tell you more because I watched every game the Angels played. He was terrible in all but one start. He wasn’t good in high leverage situations, nor in gild situations in long relief. His peripheral stats are padded from a switch to pitching in low pressure/garbage time in the second half of the season. So don’t lecture me on how good this guy is when I saw him with my own eyes. I hope you’re a sox fan, because you’re gonna love it when he gets hammered.
I guess we’ll see. And I don’t trust eyes. Too many Met fans that think they’re co-favorites with the Dodgers. Or Yankee fans that think Frazier & Andujar can be traded for any player in BB. Or any number of RS fans who think Tito was horrible, while acknowledging that he is a 1st ballot HOF. Fans that decided 5 years ago, that JBJ, Bogaerts, and Vazquez are no good, and cannot change their minds no matter what.
I find fact-checking keeps me from going off the rails.
Joe – completely agree!
Fact checking also keeps you from getting overly attached to particular players when it is time for them to move on (like 32 years old utility players when a team is reloading and will not be contending for a year or two).
Many of these unheralded major and minor league signings end up being big contributors down the road.
Every comment I read boohooing Martin Perez departure makes me chuckle as they are probably the same people who complained unceasingly when he was signed.
Many Red Sox dfans are fickle, and omg complain about everything….I swear they must have been very unhappy in 2018, because with 108 wins plus a WS, there wasn’t enough to complain about!
He only made one start
I meant hold situations, not gild
Andriese was one of those guys that the Angels waited for to produce but he never did. He wasn’t the worst, but still couldn’t keep guys on the bases from scoring. Hopefully he clicks in Boston.
Not the worst signing. Bloom loves his ham n eggs but this guys was once pretty solid in his Rays days. Compared to the corpses they sent out there last year, this is a decent signing
He might be better than the scrubs Bloom signed last off season but that sure aint saying much
Randy, last year’s crop (Kickham, Leyer, Godley, Hall…) were pretty horrible and would grade out to barely AAA, but with the addition of Houck, Pivetta, and Eovaldi after he came back from the DL/IL, they started looking much better (won 8 of their last 13). I would have liked to see what their record would have been if they had played another 102 games. IMO it would have been better than the .400 winning percentage they finished with.
This man has underwhelmed in 4 of his 6 MLB seasons. In the other 2 he was average. When will the madness end!!??
When bottom-feedin bloom gets the boot!
Unfortunately red sox fans, henry is interested in getting his money back out of the sports team biz – in this case with the whole going public. His shiny toy has lost lustre and, as part of that, wants to make the financials as appealing as possible much like many teams pare a roster back before selling.
I think you nailed it
This tells me that Boston is gearing up to spend some real money soon. I’d much rather have Andriese than the combination of misfits they ran out there last year (Kickham, Hall, etc.). This is just a minor signing for Boston to fill out the back end of their pitching staff; more substantial signings are coming soon. If healthy, I expect Boston to sign Kluber. If not, then I’d expect a deal with Paxton or Richards and then maybe a trade for another starter (Musgrove)? While Boston won’t be egregious with their offseason spending, there’s no doubt that Henry wants to be competitive this year so some bigger & better signings will happen soon. They will get a premier bullpen piece for sure. I’d love to see Rosenthal in Boston, or Yates if Yates proves he’s healthy. This deal was the equivalent of their Renfroe deal. Another minor piece in the bigger puzzle they are putting together.
How soon do you expect J Henry to spend money? Andriese is a proven player who might have something left in the tank. He could win the 5th starter position, or be a multi inning reliever. Someone they can flip at the trade deadline. I hope you’re right and they open the check book. We’ll see, but I’m not going to hold my breath.