BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Red Sox CEO and president Sam Kennedy talks to manager Alex Cora #20 of the Boston Red Sox looks on before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 13, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Are the Boston Red Sox poised to make another significant move in the pitching market? While it remains a possibility, the team has already made waves with a blockbuster trade, acquiring All-Star Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. The move signals Boston’s aggressive stance this offseason, but it also raises questions about what might come next.
The Crochet trade was costly in terms of prospects, though not financially burdensome, leaving the Red Sox with flexibility in their budget. This financial breathing room enables Boston to explore additional upgrades, particularly in the pitching department. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the team may target Los Angeles Dodgers standout Jack Flaherty as a potential acquisition.
“Crochet, 25, projects to earn between $10 million and $15 million in his final two years of arbitration, leaving the Red Sox in position for at least one big free-agent splurge,” Rosenthal noted. “Their focus remains pitching, according to a source briefed on their discussions.”
Rosenthal highlighted several free-agent options, including right-handers Corbin Burnes and Jack Flaherty, as well as lefty Sean Manaea. However, Burnes, expected to command a contract exceeding $200 million, may be beyond Boston owner John Henry’s spending comfort zone. Flaherty, on the other hand, represents a more economical yet high-potential option.
At just 29 years old, Flaherty recently posted an impressive 3.17 ERA across 28 starts and showcased his abilities as a Game 1 starter in the World Series. With a projected free-agent deal of $63 million over three years, Flaherty could provide excellent value.
If the Red Sox decide against a big-ticket acquisition like Burnes, Flaherty appears to be a logical next step. His combination of experience, recent performance, and affordability could make him an ideal fit for Boston as they aim to strengthen their pitching rotation and contend in 2025.
