Red Sox Offseason: 10 Starting Pitchers Boston Could Target (Photos)

The Boston Red Sox entered the offseason facing the difficult task of building a starting rotation.

The Red Sox traded four-fifths of their 2014 Opening Day rotation — Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jake Peavy and Felix Doubront — with an eye toward the future. Clay Buchholz and Joe Kelly are the only locks for the 2015 rotation, meaning Boston has three spots it must figure out.

While the Red Sox have internal options, relying on them would be risky. The prospects who filled out Boston’s rotation down the stretch this season — Brandon Workman, Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster and Anthony Ranaudo — had varying degrees of success, so it would be unreasonable to assume big things out of the gate. External options are necessary.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said Monday at Fenway Park that the organization plans to pursue starting pitching this winter, whether through trades or free agency. The GM also noted the information-gathering process already has begun, so things could heat up soon after the Major League Baseball playoffs conclude.

Cherington and the Red Sox certainly will explore all possibilities. The following 10 pitchers — a mix of both free agents and trade candidates — could be considered.

Click for 10 potential starting pitcher targets >>

Photo via Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports Images