Pitcher for the Yankees’ former team reportedly signs with the Red Sox; could a comeback be imminent?

One former member of the New York Yankees is staying in the division. The Boston Red Sox have been one of the most surprising teams in baseball this offseason but have opted to make more depth moves than any massive signings. Boston continued to add Saturday and reportedly signed former Seattle Mariners, Yankees, and Atlanta Braves hurler Lucas Luetge, according to the hurler’s social media.

“Year 17 and heading back to the Northeast,” Luetge said. “Excited to join the Red Sox organization!” Luetge has been a journeyman throughout his professional baseball career but saw his most success as a member of the Yankees in 2021 and 2022. He joined the Yankees for the 2021 campaign and he logged a 2.74 ERA and had a 78-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 72 1/3 innings pitched.

The lefty followed up his success in 2021 with arguably an even better season in 2022. He had a 2.67 ERA in 50 appearances and had a 60-to-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 57 1/3 innings pitched. It’s unclear what role Luetge will play in the Boston organization, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in the big leagues at some point. He landed a minor league deal with Boston but if he can impress, maybe he could get another shot.

It can never hurt to add veteran depth at the minor-league level with big-league upside. Luetge is a seven-year big league veteran and has spent even more time in the minors. He was impressive with New York but now he will be playing for the club’s biggest rival.

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Red Sox’s Alex Cora Dusts Off Swing During College Alumni Game

Long before Alex Cora returned to Boston to manage the Red Sox, he had a playing career of his own in Major League Baseball.

Cora hit .243 over the course of a 14-year MLB career as an infielder, which included four seasons with the Red Sox. Cora hit .252 during his time with Boston, winning a World Series in 2007 before earning another title with the team as a manager in 2018.

As Cora prepares for his sixth season as Boston’s manager, the 48-year-old got a chance to throw the spikes back on as a player, taking the field in the University of Miami’s alumni game for the baseball program. Cora stepped back into the batter’s box from the left side, per video from The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

Already in Florida, Cora gets ready to lead the Red Sox once again as pitchers and catchers report to spring training in under a week.