Thornburg, Sox agree to one-year contract
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BOSTON -- The Red Sox agreed on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with right-handed reliever Tyler Thornburg for 2018 on Monday, avoiding salary arbitration. His salary will be $2.05 million, according to a source.
Thornburg was acquired from the Brewers a year ago in hopes of being Boston's top setup man, but he missed the entire 2017 season with a right shoulder impingement and underwent surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome in that same shoulder.
The 29-year-old was one of the best setup men in the National League in 2016, posting a 2.15 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP while striking out 90 batters over 67 innings.
If Thornburg can regain his health, he could get a chance to earn some high-leverage innings in the bullpen. Addison Reed, Boston's top setup man the final couple of months in 2017, is a free agent.
After the signing of Thornburg, the Red Sox have 12 remaining unsigned players who are eligible for salary arbitration: Infielder Brock Holt, shortstop Xander Bogaerts, catchers Sandy León and Christian Vázquez, outfielders Mookie Betts and Jackie Bradley Jr., and pitchers Joe Kelly, Drew Pomeranz, Eduardo Rodriguez, Carson Smith, Brandon Workman and Steven Wright.