Boston Red Sox (2005–2006) On December 11, 2004, Wells signed a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox and took the uniform number 3, in honor of Babe Ruth. He started the season poorly, and by the end of May, Wells and shortstop Édgar Rentería — another new Red Sox player who had gotten off to a slow start — switched uniform numbers, with Wells taking Rentería's 16 and Rentería taking Wells' 3, after Rentería paid Wells for the privilege. After a stint on the DL, Wells became the same dominating pitcher he was in the past. He went on to post a 15–7 record, with a 4.45 ERA.
Boston Red Sox (2005–2006) On December 11 2004, Wells signed a two-year deal with the Boston Red Sox and took the uniform number 3, in honor of Babe Ruth He started the season poorly, and by the end of May, Wells and shortstop Édgar Rentería — another new Red Sox player who had gotten off to a slow start — switched uniform numbers, with Wells taking Rentería's 16 and Rentería taking Wells' 3, after Rentería paid Wells for the privilege. After a stint on the DL, Wells became the same dominating pitcher he was in the past. He went on to post a 15–7 record with a 4.45 ERA.