Red Sox Interested in Smoltz and Baldelli

Although they’ve definitely been overshadowed by the New York Yankees during this offseason, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly on the verge of a pair of signing that may have a big impact down the line. Potential future Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz and former Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Rocco Baldelli are both said to be close to signing with the Red Sox.

The deal for Smoltz, who has played the last two decades for the Atlanta Braves, is reportedly worth at least $5.5 million. Smoltz is coming off of shoulder surgery but the contract could give him as much as $10 million more in bonuses. For the Red Sox, Smoltz could be useful both in the bullpen or as a starter once he returns to the field — which is expected to be in May.

Baldelli is an interesting story. About this time last season, there were worries that his career could be over due to a mitochondrial disorder. He was able to fight his way back to the field and had a decent season last year with the Rays. This offseason, additional tests showed that Baldelli didn’t have a mitochondrial disorder and instead had channelopathy — a less severe illness. Considering that the mitochondrial disorder was thought to be life threatening, this new diagnosis was a big relief for Baldelli.

In Beantown, Baldelli would likely begin the year as the team’s fourth outfielder. But if he could once again reach the vast potential that made him one of the most sought after baseball prospects a few years ago, he could go down as one of the best free agents signings of this offseason.

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