This offseason, the Boston Red Sox are expected to be highly active, making significant moves to improve their roster. Last year, they watched as division rivals, the New York Yankees, advanced to the World Series and the Baltimore Orioles reached the postseason, further fueling their motivation.
The Red Sox have already met with Yankees outfielder and superstar free agent Juan Soto, hoping to secure his talents for the long term. But their pursuit of top talent doesn’t end there. During an appearance on Yahoo Sports’ “Baseball Bar-B-Cast,” ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan revealed that the Red Sox have also been in discussions with free-agent starting pitchers Blake Snell and Max Fried. Passan pointed to the Red Sox’s struggles in developing starting pitching as a key factor driving their interest in these high-caliber arms on the market.
“Everything has lined up for them at this point, except their ability to develop starting pitching at the big league level,” Jeff Passan explained. “Brayan Bello is good. Kutter Crawford is a perfectly fine big league starter. But they don’t have a true ace. That’s why they’re engaging in talks with Blake Snell and Max Fried…”
Red Sox reportedly talked with Blake Snell, Max Fried this offseason
If the Red Sox want to strengthen their starting rotation, Blake Snell and Max Fried are two of the best options available.
Snell, previously represented by Scott Boras, signed with the San Francisco Giants late last offseason after a protracted free agency period. His late signing and limited spring training led to early struggles, but he found his form as the season progressed, even throwing his first career no-hitter. Snell finished the year with a 3.12 ERA, a 1.048 WHIP, a 124 ERA+, a 2.43 FIP, 145 strikeouts, and 44 walks over 104 innings in 20 starts.
On the other hand, Max Fried brings a decorated resume that includes two All-Star appearances, a Gold Glove award, and a runner-up finish for the 2022 NL Cy Young Award. Despite his reliability and strong performances at the top of the rotation, the Atlanta Braves have opted to let Fried test free agency. With the demand for elite starting pitching, Fried is expected to command a lucrative long-term deal from a team in need of an ace.
In 2024, Fried posted a 3.25 ERA, a 1.164 WHIP, a 128 ERA+, a 3.33 FIP, and a 3.5 WAR, with 166 strikeouts and 57 walks over 174.1 innings across 29 starts.
By pursuing Snell or Fried, the Red Sox aim to significantly improve their rotation, enhancing their chances to compete for the division and make a postseason run in 2025.
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