Former Guardians reliever signs deal with AL East contender

With their first spring training game just a day away, the Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms with someone who may or may not be familiar to fans of the Cleveland Guardians. Boston has signed veteran reliever Matt Moore to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Moore is looking to catch on with a team or at least pitch well enough that another team is interested in bringing him into their bullpen.

The 34-year-old had a brief stint with the Guardians back in 2023, coming to Cleveland alongside fellow Los Angeles Angels pitchers Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez via waiver claims. This was part of an ill-fated attempt by the Guardians to make the postseason that would ultimately fall short.

Moore made five appearances for Cleveland, allowing two runs on nine hits while striking out eight and walking two in 4.2 innings of work. Knowing that their playoff push was not going to be successful, the Guardians placed Moore on waivers once again, this time being picked up by the Miami Marlins.

The veteran left-hander would return to the Angels for the 2024 season, and this time, he would finish the season in Los Angeles. Moore posted a 5.03 ERA, 1.345 WHIP, and 7.6 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. This was a notable step back in performance from Moore since becoming a full-time reliever. The last time Moore posted an ERA and WHIP worse than last season's was back in 2021, during his time with the Philadelphia Phillies. Moore would make 24 appearances for the Phillies that season, 13 of which were starts, and would finish with a 6.29 ERA and 1.589 WHIP in 73 innings.

Regardless of how Moore performs with Boston during spring, there is no doubt that Moore will be able to find work if he is physically able to do so. Left-handed relievers are always in demand, and as long as he is not throwing batting practice quality pitches while on the mound, he will find a home for the upcoming season.