The Boston Red Sox are shaping up to be one of the most aggressive teams in the MLB offseason, with rumors swirling around their pursuit of superstar Juan Soto and an elite starting pitcher. While Soto’s bat could transform Boston’s lineup, insiders emphasize that pitching upgrades are equally critical for their postseason aspirations in 2025.
Addressing the Pitching Need
In a recent column for The Athletic, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal highlighted the Red Sox’s dire need for a top-tier starter to solidify their rotation. Rosenthal noted that even if the Red Sox secure Soto, they must still target high-impact arms to remain competitive in the AL East.
“The Sox’s biggest need is a top-of-the-rotation starter,” Rosenthal wrote. He suggested that Boston might look to pair Soto’s acquisition with a trade for Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox. Under team control through 2026, Crochet offers tremendous upside and cost control, projected to earn $2.9 million through arbitration next season.
Crochet’s Stellar 2024 Campaign
After transitioning to a starting role, the 25-year-old Crochet posted a 3.58 ERA across 32 starts for Chicago in 2024. Striking out 209 batters in 146 innings (12.9 K/9) while maintaining a low walk rate, Crochet proved himself as a reliable workhorse capable of dominating opposing lineups.
Reports suggest that the White Sox are fielding offers for the talented lefty as part of their roster rebuild. Speculated trade packages have included Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu as a centerpiece, while another proposal from MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince suggested including Triston Casas and multiple top prospects, such as Braden Montgomery and Yoeilin Cespedes, in exchange for Crochet.
Alternative Pitching Targets
Should negotiations for Crochet stall due to Chicago’s high asking price, Boston could pivot to free-agent options like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried. Rosenthal even speculated about a dream pairing of Soto and Burnes, describing it as a “full-throttle” approach that could elevate the Red Sox into immediate contenders.
The Bigger Picture
If Soto signs elsewhere, Boston is expected to shift its focus to other offensive upgrades, including infielders like Willy Adames or Alex Bregman. Regardless of the outcome, the Red Sox appear committed to aggressive moves that could reshape their roster for years to come.
With pitching as the priority and Soto in their sights, this offseason could define the next era of Red Sox baseball.
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