The Boston Red Sox are determined to end their three-year postseason drought and are signaling a willingness to invest heavily to achieve that goal. Despite significant chatter surrounding their potential pursuit of marquee free agents, the team’s most notable move so far has been signing veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman for $10.75 million. While the addition bolsters their bullpen, Boston’s greatest need remains at the top of their starting rotation.
The Red Sox already have promising arms in Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, and Brayan Bello, all of whom have shown potential as solid big-league starters. However, what the team lacks is a true ace to anchor the rotation and set the tone for their pitching staff. With few elite starting pitchers left in free agency, the urgency for Boston to act decisively is mounting.
Currently, only two proven aces remain on the market: Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. A recent projection by Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report has positioned the Red Sox as frontrunners to land Burnes, the four-time All-Star who most recently pitched for the Baltimore Orioles in 2024.
“Boston is one of the few teams still allegedly in the mix for Juan Soto,” Kelly noted, referencing the superstar outfielder who has also been linked to the Red Sox. “Before Blake Snell signed with the Dodgers, there was speculation the Red Sox were targeting two of the big three: Burnes, Snell, and Fried. While it’s unlikely they’ll land Soto, there’s a strong chance they secure Burnes or Fried. If the Mets prioritize Fried or outbid Boston, Burnes could very well find himself in a Red Sox uniform.”
Burnes, now 30 years old, has been one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball over the past five seasons. Since 2020, he has compiled a stellar 52-31 record with a 2.88 ERA and 946 strikeouts across 134 starts. His accolades include winning the 2021 Cy Young Award, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier arms.
The financial stakes for signing Burnes are high. Jim Bowden of The Athletic has projected Burnes to command a seven-year, $247 million contract, a deal that would make him the highest-paid pitcher in Red Sox history. Given the current market, which has seen top pitchers fetching exorbitant contracts, Boston must be prepared to act aggressively.
This offseason represents a pivotal moment for the Red Sox. With the fanbase growing restless, the team cannot afford to hesitate. Securing Burnes would not only address their biggest need but also send a clear message that they are serious about contending. If the Red Sox believe Burnes is the ace they need, they must be willing to outbid all competitors to bring him to Fenway Park.
