Sources – Patrick Sandoval and Red Sox reach two-year, $18.25 million deal

Left-hander Patrick Sandoval and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to terms on a two-year, $18.25 million contract, sources told ESPN.

Sandoval, 28, underwent Tommy John surgery in June and is not expected to pitch until the second half of 2025. Boston still paid well above market price to sign Sandoval, aware of the high price tag for free-agent starting pitchers this winter and hoping Sandoval can be a solid middle-rotation starter upon his return.

Sandoval’s estimated 2025 arbitration salary was around $5.5 million, and rather than trade him, the Angels did not tender him. Had Sandoval been offered a contract, his 2026 arbitration number likely would have been increased only minimally due to the lack of volume due to injury.

However, his free agency led to a lot of interest from teams – and a big raise in 2026. Sources say Sandoval will make $5.5 million in 2025 and $12.75 million in 2026.

Sandoval highlighted his best performance in 2022 when he posted a 2.91 ERA, pitched 148⅔ innings, recorded 151 strikeouts and drew 60 walks in 27 starts. He followed that up with 28 starts and a 4.11 ERA in 2023, but struggled last season with a 5.08 ERA in 16 starts before requiring elbow ligament replacement surgery.

Boston, looking for starting pitching help this winter, traded star Garrett Crochet to the Chicago White Sox. Like Sandoval, he will return to free agency after 2026. The Red Sox’ other rotations next season include right-handers Tanner Houck, Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford.

Also on Friday, the Red Sox invited 2016 AL Rookie of the Year Michael Fulmer to spring training as a non-roster invitee.

The 31-year-old right-hander had to spend the entire last season recovering from surgery on his right elbow. Fulmer, a 2017 All-Star, was 3-5 with a 4.42 ERA for the Cubs in 2023.

Also invited to spring training are catcher Seby Zavala, infielder/outfielder Nate Eaton and right-handers Isaiah Campbell, Bryan Mata and Wyatt Mills. Mata was Boston’s top pitching prospect before missing most of 2023 due to injury.