What will Boston do to address the hole in the starting rotation?

Another one of the top free-agent pitchers reportedly is off the board.

Veteran hurler Michael Lorenzen has been in a plethora of rumors recently as he has looked for his next opportunity and even popped up as a possible option for the Boston Red Sox on multiple occasions.

He had a strong 2023 season and earned his first All-Star nod while spending time with the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies. Boston was mentioned as a possible landing spot for him but will not have the opportunity to sign him as he reportedly agreed to a deal with the Texas Rangers, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

“Free-agent right-hander Michael Lorenzen in agreement with Rangers on one-year, $4.5M contract, pending physical, source tells The Athletic,” Rosenthal said. “Deal includes $2.5M in incentives, maxes out at $7M.”

Lorenzen would’ve made a lot of sense for Boston. He could’ve been a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter with upside on a cheap deal. The Red Sox has made it known that they don’t want to spend much and Lorenzen certainly would’ve fit into their budget with a deal worth just over $4 million.

It’s unclear at this point what the Red Sox will do. Boston needs more help in the rotation but options are starting to fly off the board left and right. Postseason star Jordan Montgomery still is out there and would make a lot of sense for Boston but he will cost much more than Lorenzen.

Montgomery also was linked to the Rangers but it doesn’t seem like they’re going to make another move now. The big lefty is out there and his possible suitors are dropping. If the Red Sox want to improve their rotation, they should contact him quickly.