Via MLBTR comes word from the Dallas Morning News that former Texas Rangers reliever Koji Uehara has signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox.
Uehara, 37, has been one of the more consistent relievers in the AL the last few years. He's had a high strikeout rate since becoming a reliever, with last year's 10.8 the low mark for his career. His career WHIP is 0.92, so he has the good combination of missing bats and being able to keep the ball in the strize zone to limit walks.
There's no word about money yet, but Red Sox fans have to like this move just on its face. Uehara should be one of the go-to setup men in front of Andrew Bailey.
A sneaky benefit to this deal: Should Uehara stay healthy and effective, and should the Red Sox not be a contender, Koji could be a very attractive trade chip come July. Contenders are always looking to bolster their bullpens, and the one strength the Sox had last year was relief pitching. Assuming Ben Cherington is able to once again assemble a strong crew out of the 'pen, he could be setting himself up to move a guy like Uehara -- a proven veteran who's pitched in playoff races -- to get prospects.
But maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves. For now, he's a solid add.
