The Boston Red Sox need to act fast if they want to lock in a deal for a badly-needed starting pitcher this offseason.
Max Fried reportedly came off the board in a brutal scenario as Boston’s rivals swiped the lefty to New York for the Yankees. Trade options are still plentiful if the Red Sox find themselves ready to be aggressive with their assets. Within minutes of Fried’s reported agreement, Boston could be well on its way to a worthy pivot.
“It’s unclear if Boston preferred Fried to fellow top free agent Corbin Burnes, who remains unsigned,” MassLive’s Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam wrote Tuesday. “In any case, as of Tuesday afternoon, the Red Sox were readying an offer for Burnes, according to a source with knowledge of the talks.”
Burnes pitched well in his lone season in the American League East with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024. The 2021 National League Cy Young winner posted a 2.92 ERA in Baltimore and made at least 28 starts for the fourth consecutive season.
There’s still time ahead in the offseason, but the clock is ticking at the Winter Meetings and the Red Sox cannot wait around with significant talent coming off the board with other contenders acting aggressively.
