The Boston Red Sox acquired Garrett Crochet last offseason and may be interested in adding another elite starter this offseason. Crochet was the ace the Red Sox hoped for, but could benefit from adding another star behind him.
Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito were solid options behind Crochet in the rotation, but an elite No. 2 starter could help the Red Sox reach the World Series. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman predicted the team would swing a trade for Pablo López this offseason.
“The Twins would prioritize parting with the pitcher making more money, and the Red Sox, a big-market team, shouldn’t mind taking on Lopez at what’s still a team-friendly figure,” Rotman wrote Tuesday. “He’s far from a big name, but Lopez is absolutely a viable No. 2 starter Red Sox fans should be happy with if Boston is able to acquire him.”
López has two seasons left on his four-year, $73.5 million deal he signed in 2024. He is set to make $43.5 million over the next two seasons. In 14 games last season, he had a 2.74 ERA.
López was an All-Star in 2023 and has a 3.81 career ERA. Since 2021, he has made 130 starts and has a 3.61 ERA. Injuries derailed his season last year, but he had made at least 30 starts in each of the previous three campaigns.
Story continues below advertisement
A rotation featuring Crochet, López and Bello would give the Red Sox an upgrade from last season. The American League East has no shortage of offensive stars, so the Red Sox making pitching a priority this offseason would not be a surprise.
López may be cheaper than other star pitchers, meaning the Red Sox could have room to spend in other areas of need as well.
