The Boston Red Sox are expected to be active in the free agent market to search for reinforcements to their pitching staff, among other things, this offseason.
Many experts and fans have urged the Sox to sign an ace this winter — their 81-81 record in 2024 could be improved with consistent, durable veteran pitching. But a recent prediction from Red Sox reporters at MassLive suggests Boston may use its free agency cash elsewhere.
Sean McAdam and Christopher Smith predict that All-Star closer Tanner Scott will be the Sox's most expensive free agent addition this winter. That's great news for the bullpen, but many fans who hoped Boston would be in play for Corbin Burnes, Max Fried or another ace don't love to hear it.
The 30-year-old Scott clocked a 1.75 ERA in 72 innings of work between the Marlins and Padres organizations in 2024. The lefty walks batters at a high clip, but makes up for it with his strike-throwing ability. Scott allowed 36 walks last season but fanned 84 batters, good for an 86th-percentile strikeout percentage, according to Baseball Savant.
Tanner Scott, Elevated 97mph ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/Rv7FThNraP
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 7, 2024
The Red Sox's bullpen spiraled and collapsed late last season, and the late-inning woes were a huge part of why they missed a Wild Card berth, and Scott could bring consistency and gas to the back end of the 'pen. But Boston wouldn't need to rely on its bullpen as much if it signed a starter who can regularly post more than four or five innings per game.
Scott would be a great addition to the Red Sox's bullpen, but he shouldn't be their biggest free agent signing. Boston's ownership can afford to spend on Scott and an ace or another front-of-the-rotation arm, and it should if it hopes to compete for the division title next year, as management promised.