5 starting pitching targets for the Red Sox after missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Jordan Montgomery

Montgomery helped lead Texas to the World Series last season, and it’s somewhat of a blessing that the champions did not extend a qualifying offer to the dominant southpaw. It helps that he has notable ties to the Red Sox. Not only did the club meet with his agents in early November, but he’s also living in Boston as his wife begins her dermatology residency at a nearby hospital.

The perks of landing Montgomery are evident. He had a 3.56 FIP and 4.3 fWAR last season while tying his previous career-high of 32 starts. He boasted solid control with 7.92 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9, all while adding 0.86 HR/9 and a 43.2 percent ground ball rate. He has the potential to be Boston’s ace, forming a lethal one-two punch with up-and-coming hurler Brayan Bello.

Marcus Stroman

There hasn’t been much chatter linking Stroman to the Red Sox this offseason, but a deal would make plenty of sense. For starters, he’s a proven hurler who does not carry a qualifying offer. Furthermore, he spent the last two seasons in Chicago, pitching for a Cubs team whose front office included now-Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow.

Breslow has seen Stroman’s success first-hand, including a strong 2023 in which he made 27 appearances. The right-hander finished the year with a 3.58 FIP, 7.84 K/9, 3.42 BB/9, and 0.59 HR/9. By far his most impressive stat, though, was a 57.1 percent ground ball rate. Throughout his whole career, Stroman has demonstrated an ability to induce weak contact, keeping the ball on the ground and minimizing home runs. That’s something that aligns with Boston’s organizational pitching strategy, making him an instant fit for the club.