Despite the team's addition of Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox fans have remained optimistic that more quality starting pitching additions will be made before the 2025 slate opens.
Boston has been linked to many major free agent arms, like Walker Buehler, the recently signed Max Fried, and, most notably, Corbin Burnes. The veteran righty is arguably the best pitcher on this winter's market, with a 3.19 career ERA, four All-Star appearances and a Cy Young Award to his name.
The Red Sox are almost $100 million under the first luxury tax threshold, including projected salaries for players entering arbitration, with much more payroll flexibility than some of the other clubs in the Burnes market. Yet, a recent report states Boston is not "in" on the ace.
In MLB insider Jeff Passan's latest free agency and trade market update for ESPN+ (subscription required), he mentions three teams in the race for Burnes's services. The Red Sox are not among them — the Giants, Orioles and Blue Jays are suitors in line for Burnes.
MLB insider Jeff Passan's latest report suggests Red Sox are out on Corbin Burnes
New at ESPN+: Baseball’s winter market has cooled down after huge trades and $2 billion spent. Where does everything stand? A look at who’s available via trade, who has money to spend, the best free agents still out there and when things will start moving: https://t.co/hi0d5TSolQ
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 19, 2024
Passan said it would be "premature" to discount any other potential interested teams entering the fray, but the news that Boston is not being aggressive in the Burnes market is discouraging and baffling — although it probably shouldn't be, at this point. Red Sox principal owner John Henry has admitted his reluctance to give out long-term contracts, particularly to pitchers, but the front office's promise to compete even if it takes the team into the luxury tax zone is already in jeopardy.
The Red Sox made a $700 million offer to Juan Soto just weeks ago and haven't spent a cent since losing out on the slugger to the Mets. The Yankees have lapped Boston multiple times over as they've recovered quite well from losing Soto. New York signed Max Fried and traded for Cody Bellinger and one of the most elite closers in the league, Devin Williams.
Now, the Red Sox seem content to sit on the sidelines and watch the other teams in the American League East improve while they stagnate. Two of the three teams in on Burnes are division rivals, including his 2024 squad, Baltimore.
Burnes is perfectly suited to the Red Sox rotation's needs. He's an accomplished veteran from whom Boston's young arms can learn, he boasts strikeout stuff and keeps the ball on the ground when it's hit. The Red Sox not being in on Burnes is yet another bad look for the team that has promised its fans it would compete countless times. And they can't take many more bad looks.