The Boston Red Sox Offseason: A Familiar Quest for Starting Pitching
As the Boston Red Sox gear up for yet another offseason, the air is thick with a sense of déjà vu. After missing the playoffs for the fifth time in six years, fans are left wondering what it will take to return the storied franchise to its former glory. The answer, as it has been for several seasons now, lies in the starting pitching department.
A Shift in Leadership
Last year marked a significant change in the Red Sox front office, with Craig Breslow stepping in as president of baseball operations, replacing Chaim Bloom. Under Breslow’s leadership, the team made a concerted effort to address its rotation by signing Lucas Giolito and the lesser-known swingman Cooper Criswell. Unfortunately, Giolito’s tenure with the Red Sox was cut short before it even began; he required Tommy John surgery and did not throw a single pitch for the team in 2024.
The Need for More
While Giolito is expected to return in 2025, the Red Sox cannot afford to rest on their laurels. The pitching staff needs a significant overhaul, and Breslow will have to either orchestrate a blockbuster trade or open the checkbook in free agency. However, Boston has been notoriously hesitant to make such bold moves in recent offseasons, leaving fans anxious about the team’s direction.
The 2025 Free-Agent Class
Despite the challenges, the 2025 free-agent class offers some intriguing options for the Red Sox. While it may not be the strongest group of starting pitchers, there are still several names that could make a substantial impact if ownership is willing to invest. Here’s a closer look at the top ten starting pitchers set to hit the open market.
1. Corbin Burnes, RHP
Age: 30
2024 Stats: 15-8, 2.95 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 172 SO, 47 BB, 189.1 IP (31 starts)
Corbin Burnes had a stellar season with the Baltimore Orioles after being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers. The 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner has established himself as a reliable ace, consistently delivering around 200 innings and 200 strikeouts each season. While he will come with a hefty price tag, his durability and performance make him a top target for any team in need of a frontline starter.
2. Blake Snell, LHP
Age: 32
2024 Stats: 5-3, 3.12 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 145 SO, 44 BB, 104 IP (20 starts)
Blake Snell, fresh off winning the 2023 NL Cy Young Award, is expected to opt out of his $38.5 million player option with the San Francisco Giants. His impressive strikeout rate and FIP indicate that he is not just a one-hit wonder. If he hits the market, expect a bidding war for his services.
3. Max Fried, LHP
Age: 31
2024 Stats: 10-10, 3.42 ERA, 1.195 WHIP, 157 SO, 55 BB, 165.2 IP (28 starts)
Max Fried has been a model of consistency since 2020, earning multiple All-Star nods and a reputation as one of the top left-handed pitchers in the game. His track record makes him a valuable asset, and he will likely command a significant contract.
4. Jack Flaherty, RHP
Age: 29
2024 Stats: 13-7, 3.17 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 194 SO, 55 BB, 162 IP (28 starts)
After a bounce-back season, Jack Flaherty is poised to attract attention in free agency. His impressive performance with the Los Angeles Dodgers after being traded from the Detroit Tigers showcases his potential as a solid mid-rotation starter.
5. Nathan Eovaldi, RHP
Age: 35
2024 Stats: 11-8, 3.96 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 161 SO, 41 BB, 163.2 IP (28 starts)
Nathan Eovaldi has proven himself as a reliable veteran, and while he has a $20 million player option with the Texas Rangers, he could earn more on the open market. His postseason experience adds to his value, making him an attractive option for teams looking for stability.
6. Sean Manaea, LHP
Age: 33
2024 Stats: 12-5, 3.29 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 183 SO, 61 BB, 178 IP (31 starts)
Sean Manaea had a career year with the New York Mets, leading them into the postseason. His ability to log innings and maintain a low ERA makes him a solid candidate for teams seeking a dependable mid-rotation starter.
7. Michael Wacha, RHP
Age: 33
2024 Stats: 13-8, 3.28 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 143 SO, 44 BB, 161.2 IP (28 starts)
Michael Wacha continues to defy age with consistent performances. He has proven to be a valuable asset, and while he has a $16 million player option with the Kansas City Royals, his track record suggests he could command a multi-year deal.
8. Luis Severino, RHP
Age: 31
2024 Stats: 11-7, 3.97 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 161 SO, 60 BB, 182 IP (31 starts)
Luis Severino made a strong comeback after a rough patch with the Yankees. His performance with the Mets has reignited interest in his capabilities, making him a potential target for teams looking for a bounce-back candidate.
9. Yusei Kikuchi, LHP
Age: 33
2024 Stats: 9-10, 4.05 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 206 SO, 44 BB, 175.2 IP (32 starts)
Yusei Kikuchi struggled early in the season but found his groove after being traded to the Houston Astros. His second-half performance has put him back on the radar as a viable mid-rotation option.
10. Shane Bieber, RHP
Age: 29
2024 Stats: 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 20 SO, 1 BB, 12 IP (two starts)
Shane Bieber’s season was marred by injury, but he is a former Cy Young winner and a candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. If he can regain his form, he could be a valuable asset for any team willing to take a chance on him.
Honorable Mentions
Other notable names include Matthew Boyd, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Walker Buehler, Charlie Morton, Clayton Kershaw, Alex Cobb, Jose Quintana, Nick Pivetta, Andrew Heaney, Michael Lorenzen, Nick Martinez, and Martin Perez. Each of these pitchers brings unique strengths and could play a role in reshaping a pitching staff.
As the offseason unfolds, Red Sox fans will be watching closely to see if the team finally makes the necessary moves to bolster its rotation. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on for Breslow and his team to deliver results that can reignite the passion of a fanbase longing for success.