MLB Rumors: Red Sox Could ‘Pivot’ To These Free-Agent Pitchers

The Red Sox have a new No. 1 arm in their starting rotation, but an ace still is up for grabs in free agency if Boston wants to take its staff over the top.

With Blake Snell and Max Fried both settled with new teams, Corbin Burnes now resides as the clear-cut best starting pitcher on the open market. But such a billing means Burnes won’t come cheap, which could force the Red Sox to look in other directions as they try to address all of their most pressing needs.

So, where could Boston set its sights on the pitching market if it stops pursuing Burnes? MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand provided insight in a column published Monday.

“Both of those clubs (Red Sox, Orioles) could also pivot to Jack Flaherty or Walker Buehler if the price for Burnes proves to be too high for their taste, as the two free agents are more appealing than Sean Manaea and Nick Pivetta, each of whom would cost draft-pick compensation after turning down qualifying offers,” Feinsand wrote.

Appearing on NESN’s “310 To Left” podcast, The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier noted how he would be “shocked” if the Red Sox didn’t add another starter to their rotation this offseason. Speier also specifically highlighted Buehler as someone who would make sense for Craig Breslow and company.

As for Burnes, the San Francisco Giants and the Toronto Blue Jays reportedly are the favorites to sign the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner.