Cole agreed Wednesday with the Red Sox on a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to big-league spring training, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.
The 32-year-old right-hander hasn't pitched in affiliated ball since 2019 while spending the past two seasons recovering from shoulder surgery. Prior to having the shoulder procedure, Cole turned in a 4.97 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 14.1 K-BB% over 88.2 career innings in the majors. He'll get a token chance to audition for a spot in Boston's Opening Day bullpen, but he'll most likely begin the 2022 campaign at Triple-A Worcester.