The Boston Red Sox, despite securing left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet in a recent trade, appear poised to further bolster their pitching rotation, which faltered significantly in the latter half of the 2024 season. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow is actively pursuing improvements to prevent a repeat of the pitching woes in 2025, and the acquisition of Crochet is just the first step in what could be a transformative offseason for the Red Sox pitching staff. The team’s ambition reportedly extends to landing the most coveted pitcher in the current free-agent market, setting the stage for a potentially formidable rotation in the upcoming season.
Speculation is mounting that the Red Sox are the frontrunners to acquire Corbin Burnes, a highly sought-after free agent with a stellar track record. Despite reported initial hesitations about the high price tags associated with Burnes and other top-tier pitchers like Max Fried, the Red Sox’s acquisition of Crochet, whose projected 2025 salary is relatively modest, hasn’t diminished their financial capacity to pursue Burnes. This has reinforced the belief that the Red Sox, after addressing one pitching need through a trade involving prospects, are now prepared to invest heavily in acquiring a premium free-agent pitcher to complete their rotation rebuild. Predictions suggest a lucrative six-year contract worth $218.5 million could lure Burnes to Boston.
Burnes boasts impressive career statistics, including a 60-36 win-loss record, a 3.19 ERA, a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.1 to 1, a low opponent batting average of .212, and a WHIP of 1.06. Having played for both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Baltimore Orioles, Burnes enters free agency as the most desirable starting pitcher available, marking his first foray into the open market. The Red Sox, eager to return to postseason contention after missing the playoffs since 2021, appear willing to make a significant investment in acquiring Burnes to anchor their rotation.
While the Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants are also reportedly vying for Burnes’ services, the Red Sox’s urgency to improve their pitching and their apparent financial flexibility make them a strong contender. The team’s recent trade for Crochet, while addressing one area of need, hasn’t precluded them from pursuing a top-tier free agent like Burnes. This indicates a commitment to building a competitive rotation capable of leading the Red Sox back to playoff contention. The potential addition of Burnes, alongside Crochet and other existing pitchers, could transform the Red Sox’s rotation into a formidable force in the American League.
The acquisition of Burnes would represent a significant investment for the Red Sox, but it underscores their determination to address the pitching deficiencies that plagued them in 2024. Breslow’s proactive approach to rebuilding the rotation signals a commitment to contending in 2025. The combination of a trade for a promising young pitcher like Crochet and the potential signing of a seasoned ace like Burnes could create a dynamic and balanced pitching staff capable of carrying the Red Sox deep into the postseason.
The Red Sox’s pursuit of Burnes reflects a broader trend in Major League Baseball, where teams are increasingly willing to invest heavily in pitching talent. The premium placed on starting pitching in today’s game makes acquiring an ace like Burnes a high priority for contending teams. While the competition for Burnes’ signature is fierce, the Red Sox’s apparent willingness to meet his asking price and their clear need for a top-of-the-rotation starter make them a serious contender in the race to land this highly coveted free agent. The potential impact of Burnes on the Red Sox’s fortunes in 2025 and beyond is undeniable, making this offseason a pivotal one for the franchise.
