The Boston Red Sox’s rotation is currently in shambles.
Yes, they are really suffering after Lucas Giolito’s recent elbow injury, but it was an area of need even before he went down.
They failed to bring back James Paxton, and then traded Chris Sale so they had to see this coming.
While they try to solve a patchwork staff for 2024, they signed one of their young stars for the long term.
Per Kiley McDaniel of ESPN, Brayan Bello agreed to a six-year, $55 million extension with Boston.
The owner of a 4.24 ERA in 157 innings last year, Bello will now try to justify the investment made in him with more consistency.
The right-hander has the stuff and confidence to be successful for a long time, and is getting his first big contract.
Fans had a lot to say about the transaction.
The vast majority of the fans gave props to the Red Sox for inking Bello, a very solid foundation piece in the staff, to such a team-friendly deal.
This is a great deal for Boston. First time all off season I am happy about the Red Sox
— GreenRunsDeep (@CelticsGRD) March 7, 2024
WWWW
— Demon 𝕏 🖤💛 (@BURNITDOWNNNNN2) March 7, 2024
Smart for both sides
— OnlySportsAllowed (@OnlySportsHere) March 7, 2024
With the prices for what free agent pitchers are going for, this deal has the potential to look like a steal for Boston if Bello shows his 2023 first-half version (3.04 ERA, 70 K in 80 IP).
They are, as a team, making a small gamble on Bello retaining his talent, velocity, and overall ability for a long time.
Pitchers, in general, are more volatile than position players, so it’s still somewhat of a risk for the team.
It’s one worth taking, though, because Bello has it all to keep evolving and cementing his place as a keeper in the Sox’s rotation.
NEXT: Red Sox Agree To Extension With Key Foundational Player