Everything the Red Sox need in a single player?
This is a story that has been told many times this season, but it remains true: the Boston Red Sox require beginning pitching.
Going into the season, Boston’s starting rotation consisted primarily of pitchers who had spent substantial time in the bullpen in previous years. Surprisingly, those starters performed admirably early in the season but quickly faded as the season progressed. The pitching staff crumbled after the All-Star break, with the starters’ inexperience playing a large role.
Ironically, the Red Sox’s beginning pitching has been the sole factor keeping them in games for the whole of September. However, it is an issue that must be handled on a larger scale, and the quality of the assistance Boston provides will be directly proportional to how much the front office is willing to invest.
If Boston is ready to shop in the high-end market this winter, it is difficult to fathom a better choice than Atlanta Braves lefty sensation Max Fried. On Saturday, Henry Blickenstaff of FanSided ranked Fried the Red Sox’s ‘best overall’ free-agent starter.
“(Fried) has consistently excelled at inducing weak contact, a valuable asset at hitter-friendly Fenway,” said Blickenstaff. “At 30 years old, Fried can contribute for Boston for several years, and although he won’t be cheap, he should be a more affordable option than Corbin Burnes, the star of this year’s free agent pitching class.”
Fried will undoubtedly be among the most expensive free-agent pitchers available.Before the season, The Athletic’s Tim Britton anticipated that the two-time All-Star would command approximately seven years and $195 million.
The Red Sox must be willing to compete with the big dogs for once. Fried is the type of addition that has the potential to completely change their 2025 picture. They need a workhorse and would love to have a lefty. Fried is both, and he’d improve the rotation as a whole.
However, considering Boston’s track record in recent offseasons, particularly with pitchers, most supporters are unlikely to hold their breath. Craig Breslow and ownership must prove that things will be different this winter.
