Red Sox Eye No. 2 to Pair with Garrett Crochet

The Boston Red Sox head into the offseason with one mission: find a dependable No. 2 starting pitcher to slot in behind emerging ace Garrett Crochet. After Crochet’s breakout campaign delivered a playoff berth, the rotation’s lack of depth became painfully obvious in October.

The front office, led by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, knows a big pitching addition could make or break Boston’s 2025 season. There’s a sense of urgency—maybe even a little desperation—after what went down in the postseason.

Rotation Woes Exposed in Postseason

Garrett Crochet’s 2024 season? Pretty much Cy Young-caliber. He finally gave Boston the ace it’s been craving.

But October put the rest of the rotation under a microscope. Brayan Bello stumbled when it mattered most. Lucas Giolito’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. Rookie Connelly Early had to take the mound in a do-or-die game—not exactly ideal.

Injury Troubles and Inexperience

Giolito’s absence set off a chain reaction. Suddenly, beyond Crochet, Boston had no stable, playoff-tested arms left.

That reality’s pushed Breslow and his staff to hunt for a high-end No. 2 starter before Spring Training even gets close.

Potential Pitching Targets

Insider Chris Cotillo of MassLive tossed out a few names Boston might chase to patch up the rotation. Each pitcher brings something different to the table—some more durable, some with more upside, some easier (or pricier) to get.

Names to Watch

• Joe Ryan – Reliable, throws strikes, commands the zone. Might be available via trade, thanks to some organizational ties.
• Dylan Cease – Piles up strikeouts. Maybe you can buy low after his rough year.
• Michael King – Versatile, has started and relieved. That flexibility could come in handy.
• MacKenzie Gore – Young, talented, with real upside. Boston’s already talked about him in trade discussions before.

Trade vs. Free Agency: Which Route Will Boston Take?

Boston’s approach partly depends on Giolito’s qualifying offer decision. If Giolito accepts, payroll could tighten up, maybe limiting how much the team spends on another starter.

If he walks, Breslow might have more money to chase a top-tier arm in free agency or take on a big contract in a trade. The front office has to stay nimble here.

Organizational Connections Could Play a Role

Ryan and Gore aren’t just talented—they’re familiar faces to Boston’s evaluators. That kind of connection can make negotiations smoother and maybe even tip the scales toward a deal actually happening.

Dylan Cease: The Most Intriguing Option

Cease is tough to ignore. Yeah, his numbers dipped in 2024, but he still racks up strikeouts with the best of them.

His age and contract status make him a pretty tempting target. Proven frontline pitching rarely comes cheap, but Cease might be that rare mix of affordable and impactful.

Why Strikeouts Matter

Breslow’s pitching philosophy is all about missing bats. Crochet’s already nailed it, and Cease brings the same energy.

Adding Cease could give the Red Sox a one-two punch that’s built for October. Imagine trying to face those guys in a playoff series.

The Stakes for 2025

Breslow’s hunt for a No. 2 starter goes way beyond just covering for injuries. It’s about sending a message for the whole season.

A proven arm behind Crochet could turn the Red Sox from playoff hopefuls into true World Series contenders.

Final Thoughts

Boston’s front office can’t just stand still after what happened in the postseason. They know the risks.

Landing the right pitcher could shake up the rotation, boost team confidence, and change how the bullpen gets used. It might even shape their whole competitive future.

This offseason, Breslow probably won’t wait around. Honestly, in 2025, the Red Sox might find their season depends on whoever they put behind Garrett Crochet.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Red Sox Predicted To Land ‘True No. 2’ To Pair With Garrett Crochet