Heading into the 2024 offseason, the Red Sox‘s needs are clear. First and foremost, they require a right-handed bat with significant power—preferably a lot of it, considering the dimensions of Fenway Park. The bullpen also needs attention, especially with key pieces like Chris Martin and Kenley Jansen expected to depart via free agency. And, above all else, the Red Sox must find a reliable starting pitcher—possibly two.
Historically, the team has been reluctant to commit large sums to long-term pitching contracts, making a potential trade for a high-profile pitcher like Corbin Burnes from the Brewers unlikely. Instead, former MLB GM Jim Bowden, in his latest column for *The Athletic*, suggests that the Red Sox will likely target mid-rotation pitchers with upside, a more realistic strategy for the club’s approach.
Bowden predicts that the Red Sox will sign two pitchers: right-hander Jack Flaherty to a three-year, $68 million deal and lefty Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year, $42 million contract. Neither pitcher is considered a surefire ace, but both have shown promise in recent seasons. Flaherty, 29, had a solid 2024 campaign, finishing with a 13-7 record, a 2.95 ERA, and 133 strikeouts in 106.1 innings, after being traded from the Tigers to the Dodgers. Though he struggled in the playoffs, Flaherty was instrumental in L.A.’s championship run, winning crucial games in both the NLCS and World Series.
Kikuchi, 33, has been inconsistent throughout his MLB career but delivered strong performances down the stretch after being traded from Toronto to Houston. Overall, he went 9-10 with a 4.05 ERA, but posted a 2.70 ERA and a 0.933 WHIP in 10 starts for the Astros.
The Red Sox also surprised some by extending a qualifying offer to Nick Pivetta, who could return to the rotation as well. Pivetta posted a 6-12 record with a 4.14 ERA in 2024.
In total, if Flaherty, Kikuchi, and Pivetta all join the rotation, along with returning pitchers like Lucas Giolito (who missed the entire 2024 season due to elbow surgery), Tanner Houck, Bryan Bello, and Kutter Crawford, the Red Sox could have a formidable group of seven potential starters. Houck, who took significant strides in 2024, could emerge as the ace by 2025, although he may not be ready to shoulder that responsibility just yet. Garrett Whitlock is also expected to return from elbow surgery, although he may be moved back to the bullpen.
Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow made it clear that pitching is a top priority for the team, stating that the $21 million qualifying offer extended to Pivetta reflects their commitment to bolstering the pitching staff.
“We’ve been pretty outspoken about our need for pitching,” Breslow said. “And obviously, we know Nick really well. This is ultimately where we landed. We’ll see how things play out from here.”
