The Boston Red Sox approached the offseason with a clear goal of strengthening their starting rotation. Despite missing out on their top target, Max Fried, who signed with the Yankees, the Red Sox adjusted by acquiring Garrett Crochet from the White Sox in exchange for a four-player package that included Kyle Teel. Talks with the Mariners for Luis Castillo fell through when Seattle demanded Triston Casas, a price Boston deemed too high unless the Mariners also absorbed Masataka Yoshida’s contract. This forced the Red Sox to shift their focus to other options.
In free agency, the Red Sox signed Walker Buehler to a one-year, $21.05 million deal, a move praised for its high potential upside. Buehler, when healthy, is considered a dominant pitcher, and Boston avoided the need to sacrifice a draft pick by signing him. Additionally, they added Patrick Sandoval on a two-year, $18.25 million contract, providing further depth, though Sandoval is recovering from Tommy John surgery and may not contribute until later in the season.
These additions position the Red Sox with a strong rotation for 2025, headlined by Buehler and Crochet. They are supported by a mix of capable arms, including Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Garrett Whitlock. While Buehler and Giolito come with some risks, their potential rewards are significant. Sandoval’s midseason return could further bolster a rotation that now appears to have both depth and upside.
The offseason has seen significant movement, with stars like Fried, Juan Soto, and Blake Snell signing major contracts. However, key players such as Corbin Burnes, Alex Bregman, and Pete Alonso remain unsigned. Bregman, in particular, faces a shifting market after the Astros addressed their infield needs, leaving teams like the Tigers and Red Sox as potential destinations. For Boston, acquiring Bregman could involve positional changes or a trade involving Casas to create space.
With the free-agent market for first basemen thinning, Casas has become a valuable trade option. Meanwhile, Alonso’s high asking price has limited his suitors, with a reunion with the Mets appearing likely. As the holidays approach—a typically quiet time for transactions—the potential for unexpected moves remains, with teams continuing to explore ways to strengthen their rosters.
