The Boston Red Sox made a significant move by acquiring Garrett Crochet in a five-player trade with the Chicago White Sox, securing a projected ace to lead their pitching staff. With Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford rounding out the rotation, the Red Sox appear to have a solid lineup on paper. However, baseball seasons are unpredictable, and relying on the same five starters throughout the year is unlikely. To bolster their roster further, the Red Sox should consider adding another impact starter.
Flexibility in their rotation, especially with Crawford’s versatility, provides the team an opportunity to make another key acquisition. One intriguing option is Walker Buehler, a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion. According to Tim Crowley of NESN, Buehler could be a strong addition, bringing both talent and championship experience to Boston. Crowley speculates that the Red Sox might secure Buehler on a two-year, $32 million contract, as projected by The Athletic.
“Boston has its ace in Crochet,” Crowley notes, “but the team should aim to add another starter. Among second-tier free agent options, Buehler stands out as a proven performer who can still deliver and bring a winning pedigree to the clubhouse.”
At 30 years old, Buehler’s free agency comes at a complex time in his career. His 2024 regular season performance was underwhelming, marked by a 5.38 ERA as he returned from a lengthy injury-related absence. However, Buehler demonstrated his clutch capabilities in the postseason, finishing with a 10-inning scoreless streak and securing the final out of the World Series. His postseason track record is impressive, with a career 3.04 ERA across 94 playoff innings and a stellar 0.47 ERA in 19 World Series innings.
Buehler’s playoff dominance is particularly appealing to a team like the Red Sox, whose ultimate goal is another World Series title. His addition could provide the depth and reliability needed to navigate the postseason successfully. That said, the Red Sox must carefully assess Buehler’s value based on his recent performance. While his playoff contributions are undeniable, his regular-season struggles raise questions about consistency and durability.
If the Red Sox can strike a deal aligning with realistic expectations, Buehler’s championship experience and proven ability in high-stakes situations could be invaluable. By pairing him with Crochet and the rest of the rotation, Boston could position itself as a formidable contender in both the regular season and the playoffs.
