MLB Rumors: Red Sox Pursuing Two High Profile Arms

The Boston Red Sox are aggressively pursuing two of the top left-handed pitchers on the market, Blake Snell and Max Fried, as they aim to overhaul their rotation and return to playoff contention in 2025. 

ESPN’s Jeff Passan highlighted the urgency on the Baseball Bar-B-Cast podcast, stating, “They don’t have a dude. It’s why they’re talking with Blake Snell, and it’s why they’re talking with Max Fried.” 

After finishing 81-81 in 2024 and missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year, the Red Sox are prioritizing the acquisition of a true ace, an area that has plagued the team in recent seasons. 

With their rotation heavily reliant on right-handers like Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Tanner Houck, and left-handed starters contributing only six games last season, adding an elite southpaw is a top priority.

The Red Sox checked in and are talking with LHP’s Max Fried and Blake Snell.

Via: @JeffPassan pic.twitter.com/HrKZi2R2sz

— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) November 15, 2024

Blake Snell, 31, is a two-time Cy Young Award winner who posted a dominant 2.21 ERA and 12.5 K/9 in 20 starts with the San Francisco Giants, despite an injury-shortened season. 

Meanwhile, Max Fried, 30, has been one of MLB’s most consistent left-handers, earning a 3.25 ERA and his second All-Star nod in 2024 with the Atlanta Braves. 

Bringing postseason success and defensive excellence, Fried also brings a potential edge through his connection with Lucas Giolito, a former high school teammate and current member of Boston’s rotation. 

Both pitchers are expected to command significant contracts, but their presence would bring stability and star power to a rotation in desperate need of balance and reliability.

“With the Red Sox, everything has lined up for them at this point, except their ability to develop SP at a big league level … It’s why they’re talking with Blake Snell, and it’s why they’re talking with Max Fried.”

- @JeffPassan on Baseball Bar-B-Cast
pic.twitter.com/9ji3H7wZ5X

— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) November 15, 2024

In addition to Snell and Fried, Boston is reportedly exploring a trade for White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet to supplement their rotation. 

“Everything has lined up for them at this point, except their ability to develop starting pitching at a big league level,” Passan noted, pointing out the importance of this offseason for Boston’s future. 

Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images