The Boston Red Sox have made a major move to strengthen their pitching staff by acquiring Chicago White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet in a high-profile trade. The deal, which involved a significant package of prospects, gives the Red Sox a key building block for their rotation. But could they be looking for more? According to FanSided’s Zachary Rotman, adding another top-tier starter could still be on the table for Boston.
Rotman sees the Red Sox as a potential frontrunner to land free-agent Corbin Burnes, currently with the Baltimore Orioles. New York Post’s Jon Heyman projects Burnes could secure a $210 million contract, but with Max Fried’s $218 million deal as a benchmark, Burnes could ultimately exceed $250 million. Despite already landing Crochet, Rotman suggests the Red Sox could still make a run at Burnes, pointing to their financial flexibility as a key factor. The Red Sox have shown they’re willing to spend big, offering $700 million for Juan Soto and making a competitive bid for Fried before he signed with the Yankees.
Rotman argues that adding Burnes to a rotation featuring Crochet and Tanner Houck would give the Red Sox one of the most formidable starting staffs in the American League, especially when paired with emerging arms like Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford. “Why not add Burnes?” Rotman writes. “The Red Sox have the resources to make it happen, and adding another ace could transform their pitching staff into a strength.”
While there are other areas of the roster that could use attention, especially in the lineup, the Red Sox should prioritize adding Burnes to solidify their rotation and push them into playoff contention. With the money available and a clear need for another ace, making a move for Burnes seems like a realistic and worthwhile goal.
