Colorado acquires RHP Seabold from the Red Sox
The Rockies’ efforts to add pitching depth via minor moves continued Tuesday with the acquisition of right-hander Connor Seabold from Boston.
Seabold, 26, was designated for assignment last week when the Red Sox finalized their deal with free-agent starter Corey Kluber. Colorado acquired Seabold in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
Seabold, a third-round pick by Philadelphia in the 2017 draft out of Cal State Fullerton, is an intriguing pitcher but comes to Colorado with a recent history of injuries, and a limited, spotty track record in his short stint in the majors.
The right-hander had elbow issues in 2021 and a right forearm strain last season. He made his big-league debut with the Red Sox in 2021, pitching three innings in one start, giving up two runs and three runs.
Seabold made five starts for the Red Sox last season but got lit up, going 0- 4 with an 11.29 ERA and 2.345 WHIP. He did, however, pitch very well at Triple-a Worster, going 8-2 with a 3.32 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 19 starts. He averaged 9.2 strikeouts and 2.0 walks per nine innings.
The Phillies traded Seabold to Boston in August 2020.
Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt has repeatedly said that adding pitching depth is a top priority for the Rockies this offseason. Seabold might compete for a starting job, but he has an option remaining, so he provides the Rockies some protection at Triple-a. The Rockies’ 40-man roster is now full.
As it stands now, the Rockies’ five starters are right-handers German Marquez, Jose Urena and Ryan Feltner, along with lefties Kyle Freeland and Austin Gomber. Colorado is hopeful that right-hander Antonio Senzatela, coming back from knee surgery to repair a torn ACL, will be ready to join the rotation at some point in May.
Right-hander Peter Lambert and lefty Ryan Rolison are also possible options and the Rockies are hopeful that the duo has a solid spring training after their 2022 seasons were wiped out by injuries. Lambert is attempting to come back from continuing elbow issues and Rolison underwent shoulder surgery last summer.