Report: Sox may have competition for Kluber after impressive workout originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Red Sox reportedly got an up-close look at free-agent pitcher Corey Kluber, who would be a solid pickup for a Boston team in desperate need of starting pitching.
But they were far from alone.
Nearly 25 of Major League Baseball’s 30 teams were in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on Wednesday to watch Kluber throw a bullpen session as he recovers from an arm injury, ESPN’s Jeff Passan and The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier report.
Tomase: Are Bloom, Red Sox are ready to pounce in free agency?
According to Passan, the 34-year-old made quite the impression during his 30-pitch session.
Nearly 25 teams showed up at Corey Kluber’s showcase today, and scouts came away impressed. His fastball sat 88-90 — and he’s got more velocity in the tank as he builds toward spring training. Kluber threw 30 pitches, including all of his off-speed stuff. Strong market expected.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2021
Kluber has suffered two major injuries — a fractured right arm and a torn right teres major muscle — over the last two years that limited him to seven starts in 2019 and one with the Texas Rangers in 2020. So, Passan’s report is a promising sign that Kluber still has something left after winning two Cy Young awards with the Cleveland Indians in 2014 and 2017.
But Kluber’s strong showing in front of nearly 25 clubs also means more leaguewide interest and more competition for the Red Sox, who were first linked to the Massachusetts resident on Dec. 1. While Kluber isn’t expected to command a long-term deal, his price tag could increase if multiple teams are in the mix.
Chaim Bloom and his staff have plenty of money to spend, though, so if they liked what they saw in Florida, perhaps the three-time All-Star could be a part of their “series of moves.”
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