Reporters across MLB have predicted the Boston Red Sox to be active in the offseason's starting pitcher market, but the extent of their involvement can be hard to foresee. The Red Sox have promised big offseason moves and failed to deliver in recent season's past, and their commitment to spending is still yet to be seen.
At MLB's annual General Manager meetings held in Las Vegas, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has done his best to assure media and fans that big changes could be coming this winter. Adding another top-tier starting pitcher is on Boston's checklist, and Breslow hasn't been shy in describing the type of arm he's looking for.
"I don't think we're going to spend a ton of time trying to add a No. 4, No. 5 starter. If we're to going to make a starting pitching addition, I think it should be somebody who can pitch at the front of a rotation, start a playoff game for us," Breslow said (via Christopher Smith of MassLive).
The acquisition of Garrett Crochet brought the Red Sox the clear ace that they've needed for years, and Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito followed him well as their No. 2 and 3, in no clear order. But with Giolito gone to free agency and Bello's late-season uncertainty, Boston needs another elite arm to pick up some slack behind Crochet and lead it to a long playoff run.
Craig Breslow says Red Sox aren't looking for lower-rotation additions this offseason, will prioritize elite arms
There aren't many such pitchers on this year's free agent market. The Sox could reunite with Giolito, but signs point to regression and their rotation wouldn't be improved from last season's with the same top three. Dylan Cease, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, Michael King, Shota Imanaga and Chris Bassitt will all be available on the free agent market, but each have their downsides, like inconsistency, trouble with home runs, and even some questions about their actions as a teammate.
The Red Sox have been linked to many options on the trade market, most of them better fits for their rotation than the available free agents. Boston inquired about a trade for Joe Ryan at the trade deadline, and many fans hope they continue to pursue that deal. Freddy Peralta could also be an excellent addition — the righty has one year remaining on his contract with the Brewers, who could trade him to get a return before he likely walks in free agency. The Red Sox have a better shot at extending Peralta than Milwaukee does, and such a move would be worth a shot.
Boston has also been linked to Tarik Skubal and Hunter Greene, who would immediately elevate its rotation to one of the best in the American League. Any trade the Sox hope to pull off will be expensive, but they have the top prospects and major league talent needed to bring more elite pitching to Boston. It sounds like Breslow is committed to making such a move without being overly concerned about the future of the farm system.