We won’t have to wait much longer to find out if the Boston Red Sox are serious about free agency this season.
After three years of being average, the Red Sox now have an opportunity to make a significant change. They’ve built an impressive young core, particularly in their batting lineup, which could disrupt an American League East that appears less formidable as we approach 2025.
The Red Sox will need to secure more starting pitching to improve. While their starters performed adequately for much of the season, their inexperience and lack of depth led to struggles in August, ultimately eliminating them from playoff contention.
Boston must pursue an ace, and only a few are available in free agency. One potential target is Blake Snell from the San Francisco Giants, who NBC Sports Boston’s Justin Leger recently identified as a good fit for the team.
“Although the starting pitching market isn’t the strongest, there are appealing options for the Red Sox if John Henry is willing to invest,” Leger noted. “Snell achieved career-best figures in K/9 (12.5) and FIP (2.43), demonstrating that his second Cy Young season was legitimate. If he opts out as expected, he’ll be one of the most coveted pitchers available.”
From July 9 onward, Snell has been the standout pitcher in baseball this season. He achieved a 1.23 ERA over 80 1/3 innings, striking out 114 batters and allowing only 33 hits, resulting in a .123 opponent batting average. He also threw a no-hitter on August 2, marking his first complete game.
Signing Snell won’t come cheap, and his contract value is difficult to predict. Currently, Spotrac projects it at five years and $131 million, but it’s likely teams could bid higher given his exceptional performance at his best.
The Red Sox must be prepared to invest significantly in a top player. Snell would be a great option, provided Boston can help him maintain his health. A left-handed strikeout ace leading the rotation could greatly enhance the Red Sox’s playoff prospects in 2025.
