Matt Strahm is an intriguing acquisition for the Red Sox, in more ways than one.
Obviously when word came down that Strahm had agreed to a one-year deal with the Sox (as was first reported by Robert Murray), the primary investigation revolved around what the lefty reliever might bring to the 2022 roster. The deal, which pending a physical, is worth $3 million.
The 30-year-old - who happens to be the only active player born in North Dakota - has spent six years in the big leagues, the last four coming with the Padres.
Strahm pitched in just six games with San Diego in 2021 (along with three in Triple-A), missing most of the season due to patellar tendon repair surgery in his knee. He returned in August, but experienced issues with the knee that shut down his season.
Strahm has appeared in 157 major league games, with 25 starts mixed in. He started a June 17, 2017 game against the Red Sox in which he surrendered fie runs in three innings.
In the last two seasons, Strahm has held lefty hitters to a .207 batting average and .561 OPS in 61 plate appearances.
Strahm will be joining a bullpen that already boasts lefty relievers Austin Davis, Darwinzon Hernandez and Josh Taylor.
Also of note when it comes to the long-haired southpaw is the YouTube channel he has established, "Strahm's Stadium Pulls," a feature that centers on baseball cards and has more than 6,000 subscribers.