The Boston Red Sox had a disappointing season in 2024, failing to make the playoffs for the third consecutive year, largely due to their lackluster rotation. However, they are now looking to address this issue by targeting several marquee starters in the offseason. One potential target is Max Fried, who has been a consistent and reliable starter for the Atlanta Braves. Fried, who is a high school teammate of Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito, could potentially be recruited to join Boston and provide the team with a much-needed ace in their rotation.
Fried has an impressive career record of 73-36 with a 3.07 ERA and a 3.5-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He is considered one of the top free-agent starters this winter, with a projected market value of around $156 million over a six-year deal. His addition to the Red Sox rotation could significantly improve their pitching staff and help them compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season. Giolito, who missed the 2024 season due to injury, could play a role in convincing Fried to join the Red Sox, leveraging their high school connection to reunite as teammates in Boston.
In addition to Fried, the Red Sox are also reportedly interested in other high-profile starters such as Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell. The team is making starting pitching a priority this offseason, recognizing the importance of bolstering their rotation to compete in a competitive American League East division. Acquiring a top-tier starter like Fried would signal the Red Sox’s commitment to improving their pitching staff and addressing their weaknesses from the previous season.
The potential addition of Fried or another marquee starter would provide a significant boost to the Red Sox rotation, which struggled in the second half of the 2024 season. The team’s lack of a dominant ace was evident as they fell short of a playoff berth once again. By targeting top free-agent pitchers, the Red Sox are signaling their intention to build a stronger rotation and contend for a postseason spot in the upcoming season. The recruitment of Fried, in particular, could be a key move in solidifying the Red Sox’s pitching staff.
As the Red Sox look to revamp their rotation, the recruitment of high-profile starters like Fried could be a game-changer for the team. With the offseason heating up and free agency in full swing, Boston appears poised to make significant moves to address their pitching needs. The addition of Fried, Burnes, or Snell to the Red Sox rotation would not only improve their chances of competing in a tough division but also make a statement to the rest of the league about their commitment to winning. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the team’s next moves and hoping for a successful offseason that sets the stage for a more competitive season in 2025.
