The Boston Red Sox have added another veteran pitcher to their depth, signing right-handed reliever Nick Burdi to a minor league contract. While he won’t participate in major league camp as a non-roster invitee, he will report to minor league camp, aiming to stay healthy and potentially contribute in 2025.
Burdi, 32, has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his career but has shown impressive potential when healthy. He spent the 2024 season with the New York Yankees, making the Opening Day roster and posting a strong 1.86 ERA over 9 2/3 innings in 12 appearances. However, concerns arose over his peripherals, including a 5.44 FIP, nine walks, and two hit batters, leading to a 24.4% walk and hit-by-pitch rate that overshadowed his solid ERA.
Burdi’s fastball remains a key asset, reaching speeds of 97.7 mph last season, but his biggest challenge has been staying on the field. The former second-round pick from Louisville has undergone two Tommy John surgeries (2017, 2020) and thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in 2019. Additionally, an emergency appendectomy sidelined him for most of 2023, while a hip injury limited him to just 9 2/3 MLB innings and 17 Triple-A innings in 2024.
Nick Burdi looks to get a fresh start with the Red Sox
Over parts of five major league seasons with the Pirates, Cubs, and Yankees, Nick Burdi has pitched a total of 25 innings, posting a 6.48 ERA. While he has an impressive 32.5% strikeout rate, his 16.4% walk rate has been a significant concern. Despite his inconsistencies, the Red Sox see potential in his powerful arm, especially if he can refine his command.
Burdi is expected to begin the season with Triple-A Worcester, where he will have a chance to prove himself as a reliable depth option for the major league bullpen. The Red Sox have already signed veteran relievers Adam Ottavino and Matt Moore as non-roster invitees, and Burdi adds another high-upside arm to their roster.
If he can stay healthy and improve his control, Burdi could become a valuable bullpen option for Boston later in the season. However, given his past command issues, he will need to show significant progress before earning a spot on the big league roster. His signing represents a low-risk move for the Red Sox as they continue strengthening their pitching depth for the 2025 season.
