The Boston Red Sox have been shockingly active in the Juan Soto market, but the team's most pressing need is largely thought to be pitching.
Boston hasn't spent in free agency in recent years, and it shows in the rotation. The Sox's starters are mostly homegrown and lack valuable years of MLB experience. If Soto wants to play for a winner, solid pitching could be one of the best ways for the Red Sox to level up and get there.
Boston has looked into the trade market, particularly for White Sox ace Garrett Crochet. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal proposed that the Red Sox will supplement a potential Soto signing by trading for Crochet.
Crochet posted a breakout campaign in his first full season as a starter — he was one of the lone bright spots in the White Sox's worst-ever year. He clocked a 3.58 ERA with 209 strikeouts over 146 innings of work for Chicago.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal believes Red Sox will complement potential Juan Soto signing with star rotation addition
It was rumored Wilyer Abreu could headline a potential Crochet trade, but more recently, experts have stated the White Sox are more interested in prospects, as their competitive window is likely closed for years with their current roster. Boston has plenty of talent in its pool and on the roster to trade, but if Chicago's asking price is too high, Rosenthal believes they may covet a star free agent arm instead.
The Red Sox haven't competed for a free agent of Soto's caliber in years, and adding a star pitcher or another star free agent could be the best way to prove the team is committed to winning. Soto will be expensive, but it'll be even more costly if the Sox lose out on him and all the top-tier pitchers on the market — especially after they promised action this winter.
MLB insider Jon Heyman says eight teams are in on former Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle
Eight teams including the Yankees are showing interest in Tommy Kahnle
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 3, 2024
The Red Sox recently bolstered their bullpen by signing former Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman, and another former Yankee may be on their radar.
MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that eight teams, including the Yankees, have shown interest in righty reliever Tommy Kahnle. The Red Sox were in on the veteran before he signed with the Yankees in 2023, and he even denied a larger offer from Boston to take on a second stint in New York.
The Red Sox have been "in" on most major free agents this winter, and while Heyman didn't specify their involvement, it would make sense for the Red Sox to pursue Kahnle. After their bullpen collapse of epic proportions last season, another experienced reliever would serve the Sox well, and their previous interest in him may help their chances this time around if they're involved in his market.