Boston Red Sox’s Rotation Looks Strong, But Their Focus Should Be on Adding a Big Bat

The Boston Red Sox are entering the 2025 season with a promising starting rotation that on paper, looks like one of the team’s significant strengths. With a blend of established veterans and emerging talent, their pitching staff has the potential to carry them into contention. However, while their rotation is deep and full of promise, the Red Sox’s biggest need remains adding a slugger to the middle of their lineup.

Red Sox’s Rotation: Strength in Depth

As it stands, the Red Sox’s starting rotation is anchored by four main options: Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo. Each of these pitchers brings a unique set of strengths, and together, they provide the team with a solid foundation for the season ahead. Crochet, a former first-round pick, is known for his electric stuff, while Bello and Oviedo have both shown flashes of brilliance in recent years. Gray, the veteran of the group, provides the stability and experience necessary for a rotation that aims to contend.

Beyond these four, the Red Sox have even more depth to work with. Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, Kyle Harrison, Patrick Sandoval, and Kutter Crawford are all viable options that can provide the team with flexibility, especially in the event of injuries or underperformance. The presence of these players means the Red Sox have multiple choices to make when rounding out their starting five, and they have the potential to shuffle in and out depending on performance, matchups, and other factors.

Unfortunately, one of their key pitchers, Tanner Houck, will be sidelined for most, if not all, of the 2026 season due to injury. While Houck’s absence is a setback, the depth in the Red Sox’s rotation makes it easier for them to absorb the loss. Still, the team will have to keep a close eye on the health of their pitchers throughout the season, as even a slight injury could lead to a rotation shuffle.

The Red Sox’s Current Priority: A Slugger for the Middle of the Lineup

While the pitching rotation is certainly strong, the Red Sox’s most pressing need right now is adding a powerful bat to the middle of their lineup. The team’s estimated luxury tax payroll for the 2025 season is around $240 million, just shy of the first Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) threshold of $244 million, according to FanGraphs. The next thresholds are set at $264 million, $284 million, and $304 million, so the Red Sox are in a precarious position when it comes to spending big. They are likely to remain just below the first threshold, but any significant additions could push them into higher tax territory.

To address this need, the Red Sox are closely monitoring the free-agent market for potential slugging targets. A big-name signing like Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette could be just what the Red Sox need to add depth and power to their lineup. However, such a deal could also push the team past the $264 million mark, potentially complicating their financial flexibility moving forward. Spotrac has Bregman’s projected market value at $112 million over four years, which would likely result in an annual value of $28 million—putting the Red Sox dangerously close to the next CBT threshold.

Despite this, adding a middle-of-the-order bat remains the priority for the Red Sox. A player like Bregman or Bichette would provide much-needed offensive firepower, which could be the difference between making a postseason push or falling short in a competitive AL East. However, the team may also need to unload some payroll, such as moving money from players like Masataka Yoshida or Sandoval, to free up space for a big signing.

Could Lucas Giolito Be a Stealthy Addition?

While adding a slugger should remain the Red Sox’s top priority, there’s another interesting possibility on the horizon: Lucas Giolito. The veteran starting pitcher is currently a free agent, and while his market has been quiet so far, there could be an opportunity for the Red Sox to swoop in. Giolito, who has shown at times that he can be a dominant force on the mound, could be a worthwhile gamble on a one-year deal if the price is right.

Giolito himself recently spoke on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast, mentioning that the market for him has been “crickets” so far. He also acknowledged that a reunion with his former team might not be in the cards, but as Spring Training approaches, Giolito could find himself in a situation where he’s left with limited options. If this is the case, the Red Sox could look to bring him in on a short-term, low-cost deal—providing them with additional pitching depth and potentially improving their already solid rotation.

Adding Giolito to a rotation that includes Crochet, Bello, Gray, and Oviedo would be a strong move for the Red Sox. His ability to contribute in high-leverage situations would provide the team with an even more formidable staff, especially if one of the current starters is sidelined or struggles throughout the season. Giolito’s potential one-year deal would make this an affordable option, especially if the Red Sox can offload some of their current payroll commitments to make room for this acquisition.

Balancing the Budget: Can the Red Sox Double-Dip?

In a perfect scenario, the Red Sox would find a way to add both a powerful bat and a proven pitcher like Giolito without exceeding their financial limits. However, this would require some creative maneuvering, such as unloading contracts or getting creative with deferred money. If the team can make room for a slugger while also adding a pitcher like Giolito on a short-term deal, they could be looking at an incredibly well-rounded roster heading into 2025.

Conclusion: Prioritize the Bat, But Don’t Overlook Giolito

Ultimately, the Red Sox’s primary focus should remain on securing a bat for the middle of their order. Adding a player like Bregman or Bichette would address one of the team’s biggest needs and could help propel them into serious playoff contention. However, if the opportunity arises to add a pitcher like Giolito at a reasonable price, the Red Sox should seriously consider it. With a strong starting rotation already in place and a need for offensive power, the Red Sox are in a prime position to make a splash—if they can balance the books and seize the right opportunity.