Patrick Sandoval contract with Red Sox (source)

Left-hander Patrick Sandoval — who is recovering from Tommy John surgery — agreed to a two-year, $18.25 million deal with the Red Sox, a source told MLB.com reporter Ian Browne on Friday. The club has not confirmed the deal, which was originally reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

After developing into one of the Angels’ best starters, Sandoval underwent UCL surgery last summer that will likely sideline him until at least the second half of the 2025 season. The 28-year-old was non-tendered by the Angels at the Nov. 22 deadline, making him a free agent.

When the Angels acquired Sandoval from the Astros for Martín Maldonado at the 2018 trade deadline, the left-hander was not considered a great candidate. However, over time, Sandoval developed into a quality member of the Angels rotation, becoming the second-best starter behind Shohei Ohtani in 2021-23.

During that time, Sandoval posted a 3.53 ERA and struck out 373 batters in 380 1/3 innings. However, Sandoval showed year-to-year regression to end his Angels tenure, seeing his ERA drop from 2.91 in 2022 to 4.11 in ’23 and to a mark of 5.08 in ’79 2/3 innings pitched in 24 before undergoing elbow surgery.

When Sandoval is in action, the left-hander can produce strikeouts with his excellent secondary throws, a changeup and a slider. If Sandoval does indeed return to a mound, he is still young enough to be a useful member of a rotation with potential for more.