Red Sox Reinforce Rotation with Buehler and Crochet, Aiming for Postseason Contention
The Boston Red Sox, coming off a middling .500 season in 2023, are making significant strides to bolster their starting pitching rotation, a key area of concern in recent years. Their 81-81 record mirrored their unremarkable ranking in various pitching metrics, placing 15th in innings pitched by starters and 16th in wins attributed to the rotation. This mediocrity followed a trend of the Red Sox struggling to extract sufficient innings from their starters, ranking near the bottom of the league in both 2022 and 2023. Recognizing the need for improvement, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has orchestrated key acquisitions to address this weakness.
The Red Sox’s strategy involves a blend of established talent and high-potential prospects. The most impactful move is the signing of Walker Buehler to a one-year, "prove-it" deal worth $21.05 million, matching the qualifying offer. Buehler, a pivotal figure in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2020 World Series triumph, is aiming to rebound after undergoing Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the entire 2023 season. While his brief 2022 campaign showcased a diminished 5.38 ERA in limited innings, the Red Sox are betting on Buehler regaining his pre-surgery form, reminiscent of his dominant 2021 season where he finished fourth in the NL Cy Young voting.
Complementing the Buehler acquisition is the trade for Garrett Crochet, a young left-handed pitcher acquired from the Chicago White Sox. This move echoes the Red Sox’s successful acquisition of Chris Sale from the White Sox several years prior. Crochet, like Sale at the time of his trade, presents a promising talent with team control remaining on his contract. The Red Sox hope Crochet can develop into a valuable rotation piece, providing much-needed depth and a left-handed presence.
These moves signify a proactive approach by the Red Sox front office to address a persistent issue. Breslow’s previous attempts to reinforce the rotation, such as pursuing Jordan Montgomery and signing James Paxton, yielded limited success. The acquisitions of Buehler and Crochet, however, represent a more targeted and strategically sound approach, leveraging both established potential and high-upside prospects.
The Red Sox’s rotation now features a more robust and diversified group of pitchers. Tanner Houck, who emerged as a bona fide ace in 2023 with a 3.12 ERA across 30 starts, provides a cornerstone for the rotation. Brayan Bello, entering the second year of a six-year contract, showed flashes of brilliance, particularly against the rival New York Yankees, and is expected to build on his promising rookie campaign. Kutter Crawford, despite leading the league in losses and home runs allowed, displayed moments of effectiveness and offers further depth.
The return of Lucas Giolito and Garrett Whitlock from injuries, along with the addition of Patrick Sandoval, further strengthens the Red Sox’s pitching depth. These additions reduce the pressure on Buehler and Crochet to immediately carry the rotation, allowing them adequate time to acclimate and perform at their optimal levels. The increased depth also provides insurance against the injury bug, which plagued the Red Sox in previous seasons, forcing them to rely on an array of pitchers to fill the gaps.
With an improved rotation, fortified by the additions of Buehler and Crochet, along with promising young talent and returning veterans, the Red Sox look poised to challenge for a playoff spot in 2024. While the Yankees remain the favorites in the AL East following a strong 2023 season, the Red Sox have addressed their most glaring weakness and appear better equipped to compete. The team’s improved defense, spearheaded by a young core, and the potential addition of another impactful bat could further elevate their chances of returning to postseason contention.
The Red Sox are clearly signaling their intent to be a competitive force in the American League. The investments in Buehler and Crochet represent a commitment to addressing the team’s pitching woes and providing a stronger foundation for success. While the AL East remains a highly competitive division, the Red Sox are taking the necessary steps to improve their standing and aim for a return to the playoffs. The upcoming season will reveal whether these moves pay off, but the early indications are that the Red Sox are heading in the right direction. The team’s focus on bolstering its starting pitching, combined with its existing young talent and potential offensive additions, paints a picture of a team poised to make a significant leap forward.
