The Boston Red Sox's trade for Johan Oviedo marked their second major starting-pitcher focused deal of the offseason, coming just over a week after the Sonny Gray trade.
Though there were some notable losses suffered in order to pick up the 6'6" Oviedo, the Red Sox's rotation suddenly looks full for Opening Day. Garrett Crochet, Gray, Brayan Bello, and Oviedo should represent the top four in Alex Cora's group, with a long list of potential options for the No. 5 job.
At the moment, Kutter Crawford should probably be considered the favorite for that gig, but if he can't return to form following knee and wrist injuries that held him out in 2025, then one of Patrick Sandoval, Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, Luis Perales, David Sandlin, Kyle Harrison, or Hunter Dobbins should be able to settle into the role.
That' a lot of depth, and a good mix of high-upside prospects and sturdy (yet injured) veterans. With Gray and Oviedo in place there's not really a need for another starting pitcher acqusition this offseason.
And yet, Gray doesn't really scratch that No. 2 starter itch. There's clearly still room to add one more big arm, which the Red Sox may be gearing up for.
Red Sox clearly not done with rotation additions after Johan Oviedo trade
With all due respect to Brandon Clarke (Gray trade) and Jhostynxon Garcia (Oviedo trade), the Red Sox haven't surrendered any of their truly elite talents yet this offseason. Their entire starting outfield remains in place, and we already know Jarren Duran or Wilyer Abreu would fetch a haul. Likewise, one of Tolle, Early, or Perales could be the perfect cost-controlled centerpiece in another trade for a veteran pitcher for a team looking to replace outgoing talent on the mound.
Naturally, that leads us to the Milwaukee Brewers, who are still dangling Freddy Peralta in trade talks prior to the Winter Meetings.
The Red Sox remain one of the more obvious fits for Peralta's services, considering he's got one year left on his contract and just pitched to a 2.70 ERA across 176 2/3 innings in 2025. He may not be as dynamic as, say, Tarik Skubal or Hunter Greene, but he'd make for one heck of a Robin to Crochet's Batman.
The Brewers are known to want pitching for their ace, which perfectly fits with the Red Sox's cache of prospect talent. As a rental, Peralta likely wouldn't command more than one of Tolle or Early, plus another major-league ready piece.
For what it's worth, Boston did acquire some prospects back in that Oviedo deal, one of whom (Tyler Samaniego) is already on the 40-man roster. They clearly aren't done overhauling the roster this offseason — why not go all the way in and make a true blockbuster trade?