MLB Rumors: Red Sox Exploring Starting Pitcher Trade After Blake Snell to Dodgers

The Boston Red Sox are exploring a trade for a starting pitcher, per WEEI's Rob Bradford.

Boston was previously in on left-hander Blake Snell, who signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Red Sox then reportedly shifted their focus to left-handed starter Max Fried (formerly of the Atlanta Braves), per USA Today's Bob Nightengale on Nov. 26.

The Red Sox have inserted themselves into the hot stove, reportedly offering Juan Soto a 13-year, $625 million deal, per Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital.

They fell short on Snell, but it's clear they are willing to spend tens of millions on pitching too. Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicted Fried to get a six-year, $174 million deal. MLB Trade Rumors projected a six-year, $156 million contract.

Two other big-name starting pitchers who should command nine-figure salaries are out there in Corbin Burnes and Jack Flaherty. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report notably ranked the Red Sox as the best option to land Burnes.

Flaherty, a Southern California native, could very well return to Los Angeles with the Dodgers, saying in a World Series parade interview that he never wants to leave.

The Red Sox went 81-81 last season, finishing third in the AL East. Boston finished last in the division in 2022 and 2023 and has made the playoffs just once since winning the 2018 World Series. It's imperative that the team makes its imprint in the free agent market to improve its fortunes. At this point, there's a ton of smoke around Boston adding a starting pitcher and/or another star, so eyes will be on the Red Sox as the hot stove season continues.