The Boston Red Sox are widely expected to bolster their starting rotation this offseason, but questions remain about how they will achieve it. After a .500 season that marked their third consecutive October without playoff action, the organization appears more focused on addressing its roster gaps. While the team has some promising building blocks in its rotation, the absence of a clear ace creates a significant void that must be filled.
Options abound for the Red Sox, including pursuing a marquee free agent, orchestrating a trade, or exploring international talent. However, with urgency mounting, decisive action will be crucial. Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report predicts the Red Sox will make a significant splash by adding two new starters. He envisions Boston trading for Chicago White Sox standout Garrett Crochet and signing seasoned Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano to strengthen their rotation.
Reuter notes that these additions could transform Boston’s pitching staff. While Lucas Giolito may begin the season on the injured list, he is expected to return before the All-Star break, providing further depth. Reuter highlights Crochet as a critical acquisition, especially since the Red Sox currently lack a left-handed starter. Crochet, 25, enjoyed an exceptional season, showcasing electric stuff that resulted in 209 strikeouts across just 146 innings. Although landing Crochet would likely require a hefty trade package, his impact could justify the investment.
Sugano, meanwhile, offers a different appeal. At 35 years old in 2025, he would not represent a long-term solution but could serve as a reliable short-term addition. A dominant force in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Sugano posted a remarkable 15-3 record with a 1.67 ERA last season, and his career ERA of 2.43 underscores his consistency. The Red Sox have previously been linked to Sugano, and his signing would bring both experience and immediate stability to the rotation.
A reimagined pitching staff featuring Crochet, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Sugano—eventually bolstered by Giolito—would mark a significant improvement over the 2024 rotation. However, the ultimate question remains whether these changes will be enough to propel Boston back into postseason contention. While the potential moves address glaring weaknesses, achieving sustained success may require further fine-tuning across the roster.
For a team seeking to break its playoff drought, these ambitious additions could be a step in the right direction. The Red Sox must now navigate the offseason carefully, ensuring their plans not only elevate their rotation but also position the team as a formidable contender in 2025.
