Figure out who your fifth starter is
Unless an injury occurs, Boston’s 1-4 pitchers in their rotation seem to be locked in with Chris Sale, Rick Porcello, and Eduardo Rodriguez returning. David Price will also probably be back as I would be stunned if he uses his opt-out. He’s unlikely to get more money elsewhere. However, who does Boston see as their fifth starter next season.
Hector Velazquez has pitched well as a spot starter this season. Or maybe they like Steven Wright. However, Wright is naturally going to be a bit inconsistent as a knuckleballer. Plus, Boston has no one to catch him as Sandy Leon, Christian Vazquez, and Blake Swihart have all tried to catch him but it just does not work out for them usually. Brian Johnson is an option but he never seems to pitch more than four innings.
I would not be surprised if Boston re-signs either Nathan Eovaldi or Drew Pomeranz to be the fifth starter. Or maybe they go to the free agent market to get someone new. The Red Sox could go the route the Tampa Bay Rays did and go with a bullpen day on the fifth rotation spot. What direction Boston goes is anyone’s guess at this point.