MLB Rumors: These Teams Favorites To Sign Red Sox Target

The Red Sox acquired the frontline starting pitcher they desperately needed, but Boston might not be done beefing up its rotation this offseason.

Alex Cora’s club has been attached to Corbin Burnes in rumors for most of the offseason, and several reports indicated the Red Sox remained interested in the star right-hander even after trading for Garrett Crochet. But according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, Fenway Park isn’t the likeliest landing spot for the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner.

“Toronto and San Francisco continue to be viewed as the two favorites to land the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner, who has been the top free-agent starter available all offseason,” Feinsand wrote in a column published Monday.

Feinsand noted how some people in MLB circles believe Burnes could fetch a contract worth north of $245 million. That might be too steep for the Red Sox, who still have other offseason needs to address and soon could be working on an extension for Crochet. At this point, Burnes is of greater need in both Toronto and San Francisco.

That said, the Crochet blockbuster made it clear Boston was willing to be bold this offseason. So the idea of Burnes ending up in a Red Sox uniform shouldn’t be completely ruled out just yet.