The Boston Red Sox already had pretty good starting pitching depth entering the offseason. Now, after acquiring Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, they have more than enough.
With Suarez, Gray, Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello presumably locked into the rotation, the fifth spot remains up for grabs. The Red Sox have a plethora of arms competing for that role, including Oviedo, Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval.
Accordingly, it’s shaping up to be an intriguing competition for Boston’s final rotation spot between veterans, rookies and players coming off injuries.
During his appearance on the “Monster Territory” podcast this week, Craig Breslow revealed what he’s looking for in that role.
“There’s going to be a competition for that fifth spot. 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,” Breslow told Robbie Hyde.
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He also said the Red Sox are “really excited” about Oviedo given the improvements he made last year after coming back from Tommy John surgery.
“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 continued, citing Boston’s confidence in its top four starting pitchers, all of whom are former All-Stars and established workhorses.
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“Knowing that we do have some options for that fifth spot, let’s go ahead and get the guy, if we realize the best outcomes there, has the chance to shut down an offense,” Breslow added.
It will be interesting to see who, if anyone, emerges as a frontrunner for that fifth spot. The Red Sox already have one of the best rotations in baseball, but nailing that final spot could make it even better.
Featured image via Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox via Getty Images
