The Boston Red Sox came into the offseason with solid starting pitching depth. Now?
They’ve turned that depth into a legitimate strength. After adding Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo to a group that already included Brayan Bello and Garrett Crochet, Boston enters spring training with a rotation that looks both deep and dangerous.
Four spots in the starting five are essentially locked in: Suárez, Gray, Bello, and Crochet – all of whom bring either All-Star credentials or high-upside stuff that plays at the top of a rotation. But that fifth spot? That’s where things get interesting.
The Red Sox have no shortage of candidates for that final rotation slot, and they’re casting a wide net. Veterans like Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are in the mix, both working their way back from injury.
Then there’s Johan Oviedo, who impressed last season after returning from Tommy John surgery. And don’t sleep on the rookies – Connelly Early and Payton Tolle – two young arms who flashed serious potential in limited action.
Craig Breslow, Boston’s Chief Baseball Officer, shed some light on how the team is approaching the competition during a recent appearance on the “Monster Territory” podcast. His message? This isn’t just about filling a spot – it’s about finding someone who can elevate the rotation even further.
“There’s going to be a competition for that fifth spot,” Breslow said. “We got a glimpse of what Connelly Early and Payton Tolle are capable of doing, but also guys who have been very good Major League starters who are getting healthy in guys like Kutter and Sandy.”
That blend of youth and experience gives the Red Sox flexibility – and options. But Breslow made it clear that the team isn’t just looking for someone who can eat innings. They’re looking for a difference-maker.
“I think what we’ll be looking for is some level of consistency, but also I think that’s a chance to chase some upside,” Breslow explained. With the top four locked in, the Red Sox have the luxury of swinging for the fences with their fifth starter. “Let’s go ahead and get the guy, if we realize the best outcomes there, has the chance to shut down an offense.”
That’s a bold but calculated approach. It’s not just about who’s safest – it’s about who can be special. And with the rotation already looking like one of the most complete in baseball, hitting on that fifth spot could give Boston a real edge in a loaded American League.
Spring training will sort out the pecking order, but the competition is shaping up to be one of the more compelling storylines in camp. Whether it’s a rookie breaking through, a veteran bouncing back, or a mid-career arm like Oviedo taking the next step, the Red Sox have positioned themselves well. They’re not just filling a rotation – they’re building one that could carry them deep into October.
