The Boston Red Sox have already made a significant move on the trade market, but they remain a strong candidate for further additions to their roster. In 2024, the Red Sox rotation exceeded expectations, with the team being linked to nearly every available pitcher. However, their biggest move was signing Lucas Giolito, who unfortunately missed the entire season. Instead, the team focused on promoting internal options and brought in Andrew Bailey as their pitching coach, a move that paid off as the Red Sox ended up with the seventh-best rotation ERA in the league at 3.81. With Giolito expected to return and Garrett Crochet joining the team, the rotation could improve even further.
Despite these positive developments, the Red Sox could still benefit from another key addition to the rotation. One player who could be a great fit is Sean Manaea, the former New York Mets standout. At 32 years old, Manaea is coming off the best season of his career, serving as the Mets’ No. 1 starter in 2024 and posting a solid 3.47 ERA across 32 starts. His performance was instrumental in helping the Mets overcome a series of injuries and turn their season around.
While the Red Sox have also been linked to high-profile pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Manaea would come at a fraction of the cost. He earned just over $14 million in 2024 and is projected to sign a four-year deal worth around $71 million. This makes him an attractive option for the Red Sox, who could benefit from adding another solid arm to their rotation without breaking the bank.
A rotation featuring both Crochet and Manaea as left-handed options, alongside right-handers like Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and the returning Giolito, could give the Red Sox one of the most dominant pitching staffs in the league. With the potential for even further improvements, the Red Sox should strongly consider making a move for Manaea as they look to bolster their pitching depth for the upcoming season.
