The Boston Red Sox are reportedly making an aggressive effort to strengthen their pitching staff this offseason. According to reports, the team has been targeting a left-handed starter, previously showing interest in Yusei Kikuchi and Blake Snell before both signed with other teams. Despite these setbacks, Boston remains focused on improving its rotation.
FanSided’s Robert Murray revealed that the Red Sox made a significant push to acquire Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber before he signed a two-year deal to stay in Cleveland. “Before Shane Bieber re-signed with the Cleveland Guardians, the Boston Red Sox were ‘aggressive’ and made a ‘serious push’ to sign the right-hander,” Murray wrote. Bieber, who will turn 30 in May, reportedly declined more lucrative offers from other teams to remain in Cleveland. His contract includes a $10 million salary in 2025 and a $16 million player option for 2026, with a $4 million buyout.
With Bieber opting to stay with the Guardians, the Red Sox will need to shift their focus to other pitching options to enhance their rotation.
The Red Sox’s top pitching targets are reportedly free agent Max Fried and trade candidate Garrett Crochet. Both left-handed aces would provide a strong boost to Boston’s rotation and align well with the team’s needs this offseason.
If the Red Sox are unable to land either Max Fried or Garrett Crochet, they may shift their focus to right-handed pitchers like Jack Flaherty, Corbin Burnes, or Nathan Eovaldi to strengthen their rotation.
