MLB Rumors: Recent Free Agent ‘Impressed’ With Red Sox Brass

The Red Sox reportedly had a major interest in pitcher Shane Bieber before he decided to return to the Cleveland Guardians.

It wasn’t a one-way street, either.

Bieber was said to have been “thoroughly impressed” with chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and his plans, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. Cleveland obviously seemed like a better fit to the 29-year-old, however, who turned down a “competitive offer” from Boston.

Bieber was limited to just two starts in 2024, eventually having Tommy John surgery that is expected to keep him sidelined until midway through the upcoming season. Boston has familiarity with contracting recently injured pitchers, however, inking both James Paxton and Liam Hendriks to contracts less than one year after they both underwent the same surgery.

The Red Sox won’t have to do the same. Though, without the former Cy Young winner, they’ll have to increase their efforts elsewhere on the free-agent market.