While Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Alex Bregman have been among the headline additions for the Boston Red Sox this offseason, one pitching acquisition has flown under the radar. Left-hander Patrick Sandoval, praised highly by manager Alex Cora, has been putting in work behind the scenes during spring training, aiming to make an impact in 2025.
Signed in December to a two-year, $18.25 million deal, Sandoval is more of a long-term investment for the Red Sox as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent last June. The former Los Angeles Angel hopes to contribute in the latter half of the 2025 season, with Cora viewing him as a key piece for the team’s future.
“Obviously, the rehab process is the rehab process… He’s locked in. We do believe our staff can speed up things, but we’re going to be patient,” Cora said. “If it happens, it’s a lefty with a good fastball. He’s been there, done that. He’s a guy who we faced a few times, and that four-seamer takes off. Good dude, great guy. He’s happy. He brings experience, too. He can talk to guys. He’s a guy who, whenever he gets here, he’s gonna be like a big addition for us.”
Though Sandoval struggled in a shortened season with the Angels last year—posting a 5.08 ERA over 79.2 innings—he still showed promise. His 3.87 FIP and 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings in 2024 highlight his potential.
Compared to Nick Pivetta, whom he effectively replaces, Sandoval offers a notable upgrade. While Pivetta also racked up strikeouts, he struggled with home runs, allowing 1.5 per nine innings over his five seasons in Boston. Sandoval, on the other hand, has consistently limited long balls, with a career HR/9 of just 0.9.
While it’s uncertain how much of an impact Sandoval will have in 2025, the Red Sox are optimistic about his role in their future rotation and are eager to see what he can bring once he’s fully healthy.
