The Boston Red Sox appear ready to do what needs to be done to address their lackluster rotation from this season.
After starting 2024 strongly, the Red Sox rotation fell apart post-All-Star break, leading to Boston's third consecutive year of failing to qualify for the playoffs.
Fortunately, several marquee starters, including a high school teammate of right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito, are available and could sign with the Red Sox this winter.
"The Red Sox appear to be all in on starting pitching this offseason, with hurlers including (Max) Fried,(Corbin) Burnes and (Blake) Snell all drawing interest," MLB.com's Mark Feinsand wrote Thursday. "Fried is a high school teammate of Boston righty Lucas Giolito, who could help recruit the longtime (Atlanta) Braves starter to join him in Boston."
Fried has logged a 73-36 record with a 3.07 ERA, 3.5-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .237 batting average against and a 1.16 WHIP throughout his eight-year career with Atlanta.
The three-time Gold Glove defender is one of the top free-agent starters this winter, with his projected market value sitting at roughly $156 million over a six-year deal, translating to nearly $26 million annually, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
The Red Sox desperately need a bonified ace. Fried has been one of the league's most consistent and reliable starters since he debuted in 2017 and would give Boston a much-needed boost in its rotation.
Giolito hasn't yet produced anything for the Red Sox after he missed the 2024 season due to a right elbow injury, which prompted surgery. Perhaps the Harvard Westlake High School class of 2012 alumnus can start helping Boston by convincing his former classmate and teammate to reunite this offseason.
