The Boston Red Sox are once again adjusting their strategy this offseason after a series of setbacks in the free-agent market. Following their unsuccessful pursuit of left-handed pitcher Max Fried, who recently signed an eight-year, $218 million deal with the New York Yankees, the Red Sox have shifted their focus to Corbin Burnes, the former ace of the Baltimore Orioles.
Burnes, who had a solid season with the Orioles, finishing with a 15-9 record and an impressive 2.92 ERA over 32 starts, is now at the center of Boston’s revised plans. His performance last season even earned him a fifth-place finish in the American League Cy Young voting. However, the competition for Burnes is fierce, with teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants also in the running. Reports indicate that the Blue Jays are currently favored to land Burnes, and there are concerns that the Red Sox may be reluctant to meet the financial demands likely associated with signing him.
Throughout the past three years, Burnes has pitched 590 innings, showcasing his durability and ability to serve as a workhorse starter. Prior to his time with the Orioles, he spent six seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he won the NL Cy Young Award in 2021 thanks to leading the league with a 2.43 ERA.
If Boston successfully signs Burnes, he could anchor a pitching rotation that includes Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Lucas Giolito. However, experts suggest that the team will need to acquire additional starters to strengthen their pitching depth.
The anticipated market for Burnes suggests that his next contract could exceed $250 million for up to eight years. Additionally, as Burnes previously declined a qualifying offer from Baltimore, signing him would require the Red Sox to forfeit their second-highest draft pick.
In summary, the Red Sox are in a period of transition, navigating the complexities of a competitive offseason while aiming to bolster their pitching staff. As they explore new opportunities like Burnes, there’s hope that they will find viable solutions to strengthen the team for the upcoming season. This perseverance exemplifies their commitment to building a strong roster that can compete at the highest levels, fostering optimism among fans for the future.