The Boston Red Sox have been actively looking to bolster their pitching staff for the 2024 season, and recent reports indicate that the team has met with two of the most prominent All-Star starting pitchers available this offseason. With questions surrounding the club’s pitching depth and the need for an ace to lead the rotation, the Red Sox’s pursuit of high-level starting pitchers could be a game-changer in their bid to return to contention in the American League East.
### A Shifting Landscape in the Rotation
Over the past few years, the Red Sox have struggled to find consistent performance from their pitching staff, particularly the rotation. While they have had flashes of brilliance from pitchers like Chris Sale and Nick Pivetta, injuries and inconsistency have often derailed their efforts. The departure of Nathan Eovaldi, a key piece of their rotation during the 2018 World Series run, left a void, and the Red Sox have been looking for ways to fill that gap.
In 2023, Boston’s pitching staff was among the more ineffective units in the league. They finished near the bottom of the American League in several pitching categories, including ERA and WHIP. With the team finishing in fourth place in the AL East and failing to make the playoffs, it was clear that a significant overhaul of the pitching staff was necessary.
Red Sox general manager Chaim Bloom and the front office have made it a priority to improve the rotation for 2024, and this offseason presents an opportunity to make a bold move.
### The All-Star Starting Pitchers: A Glimpse at the Options
The two All-Star pitchers that the Red Sox have reportedly met with are of the highest caliber, each bringing a distinct set of skills and potential impact. The team is said to be targeting two names: Blake Snell and Sonny Gray.
#### **Blake Snell: The Former Cy Young Winner**
Blake Snell, the 2018 American League Cy Young Award winner, has long been one of the most electric pitchers in the game. Known for his electric stuff, including a dominant slider, Snell’s fastball can touch the mid-to-upper 90s, and his ability to strike out batters is one of his defining traits. Over the last few seasons, Snell has continued to post impressive strikeout numbers while maintaining a high walk rate, a characteristic that has caused some inconsistency. However, his ability to dominate on a given night has never been in question.
In 2023, Snell enjoyed a bounce-back season with the San Diego Padres, finishing with a 2.25 ERA and 234 strikeouts in 180 innings. He was named an All-Star and continued to demonstrate his ability to dominate top-line hitters. However, Snell’s propensity for walks and occasional high pitch counts can make him a risky proposition for a team like the Red Sox, who are looking for consistency at the front of their rotation.
Despite the risks, Snell’s upside makes him an intriguing candidate for Boston. His strikeout ability could help stabilize a rotation that lacks a true ace. Given the Red Sox’s history of dealing with power pitchers, Snell could thrive in a park like Fenway, especially with his ability to miss bats and generate swings and misses.
#### **Sonny Gray: A Consistent Veteran Presence**
On the other hand, Sonny Gray offers a different kind of appeal. Known for his command and ability to get hitters out with a combination of a fastball, slider, and curveball, Gray has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the league over the past several seasons. He may not have the flashy strikeout numbers of someone like Snell, but his control and ability to limit damage have made him a reliable presence atop the rotation for multiple teams.
In 2023, Gray had arguably one of the best seasons of his career, posting a 2.79 ERA and 183 strikeouts in 184 innings. He was named an All-Star for the first time since 2015, highlighting the level of his performance. Unlike Snell, Gray has been able to keep his walk rate in check while consistently generating ground balls. His ability to keep the ball in the park and avoid the long ball would play well in Fenway Park’s hitter-friendly environment, and his experience in high-pressure situations could be beneficial for a Red Sox team looking to rebuild its postseason aspirations.
Gray’s veteran leadership and consistency could be just what the Red Sox need. He’s the type of pitcher that can help stabilize a rotation while serving as a bridge for the team’s younger arms, such as Brayan Bello, who showed promise in 2023.
### Will the Red Sox Land One of These Aces?
At this stage of the offseason, the Red Sox’s chances of landing either Snell or Gray depend on a variety of factors, including salary, contract length, and overall fit within the team’s long-term vision.
#### **The Financial Landscape**
Both Snell and Gray are expected to command significant contracts, with Snell likely receiving a deal in the range of $20-25 million per year, while Gray could command a slightly lower annual salary in the $15-20 million range. Given the Red Sox’s history of spending money, particularly after their disappointing 2023 season, it is possible that the team is willing to open the wallet to secure an impact arm.
However, the Red Sox must also weigh the potential impact of these deals on their overall financial flexibility. Boston has several other key players to consider in the coming years, and they’ll need to balance short-term investments with long-term planning. This could influence how aggressive they are in securing one of these aces.
#### **The Need for Leadership and Stability**
The Red Sox also need to consider what kind of impact these pitchers will have beyond their on-field performance. Both Snell and Gray are veterans, but Gray is known for his leadership and poise, which could provide a steadying influence on a young, developing rotation. Snell, while fiery and confident, could be a bit of a wildcard in terms of clubhouse dynamics. The Red Sox will need to determine which type of personality fits best with their current roster and culture.
#### **The Red Sox’s Internal Options**
Finally, the Red Sox will need to weigh their options with their internal pitchers, like Bello and Tanner Houck. If they believe these younger arms are ready to take a step forward, they may not need to overextend themselves in free agency. However, the added depth and leadership of a player like Snell or Gray could provide a safety net for the younger pitchers while allowing them to develop.
### Conclusion
The Red Sox’s pursuit of a top-tier starting pitcher this offseason signals their commitment to returning to contention. Whether they land Blake Snell or Sonny Gray, either pitcher would represent a significant upgrade to their rotation. While both pitchers come with risks—Snell’s volatility and Gray’s potential age-related decline—either could be the ace the team desperately needs.
Ultimately, the Red Sox’s decision will come down to their willingness to invest in a player who can stabilize the rotation and help them get back into postseason contention. For a team with championship aspirations, landing one of these two All-Star pitchers could be the first major step in the right direction.
