The Boston Red Sox have struck twice in the free agent market by acquiring Sonny Gray from the Cardinals and Johan Oviedo (along with two prospects) from the Pirates to give the team a few big depth improvements to the starting rotation and beyond.
These moves bring two solid arms into the conversation, allowing for more development time for exciting youngsters like Payton Tolle and Connelly Early. It also means that the Sox have even more tradeable depth waiting in the wings. By elongating the list of potential rotation pieces, Boston is creating either a hazard for the roster, or an opportunity. Jack Lindsay at "TalkSox" is particularly excited about Oviedo’s fastball (with a Stuff+ rating of 115), especially give the righty’s 98th percentile extension.
Both players look to factor into the starting rotation conversation, but that doesn’t mean that Craig Breslow and the Red Sox are done exploring the market for starting pitchers. Breslow has been vocal about his desire to bring in a genuine No. 2, and neither of these acquisitions fit that mold. Fortunately, there’s a big name still on the board, and one that Boston’s expansive depth on the cusp may be able to snag in a huge trade.
Red Sox still in on Freddy Peralta after Winter Meetings, Brewers seem more keen to move him
Ken Rosenthal at broke the news that Milwaukee may be willing to entertain conversations surrounding Freddy Peralta. Naturally, many teams will be interested in engaging the Brewers on this possiblity. But Boston is uniquely positioned to offer value for the right hander, and it's reportedly still in on him after the Winter Meetings (subscription required).
Nearing the end of his controllable contract years (entering free agency after 2026 ahead of his age 31 campaign), Peralta is a bona fide fireballer with serious upside. He ranks near the top of numerous Baseball Savant percentile metrics, and delivers a four-pitch mix with a 94.5 MPH average fastball.
According to Rosenthal, Milwaukee will be seeking young, controllable pitching in return for Peralta, with the assumption built in that the team is seeking to move him before failing to resign the pitcher next winter. Boston has lots of talented arms that could entice the Brewers to bite, alongside an outfield logjam that has still yet to be fully strategized around.
The Sox have the goods to land Peralta, but the team probably shouldn’t pull the trigger unless the plan is to extend him. Boston could be a solid trade partner for Milwaukee, and the return would set up fear-inducing rotation with lots of experience, exceptional pitching talent, and the potential for a stable core that’s around for the long haul.