Garrett Crochet stands tall as the ace of the Boston Red Sox. But finding a reliable No. 2 starter for 2026 feels like chasing a ghost. Sure, there is plenty of pitching depth, but a lack of experience scars the in-house talent to back up Lou Merloni’s “Pig.” Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow stares down tough calls this winter. He needs to weave homegrown promise with outside firepower. In the end, the Red Sox crave a rotation that clicks from the jump.
Red Sox Look to Bolster Rotation Behind Crochet This Offseason
Building on a Strong Foundation
Crochet was filthy in his first season with Boston. He had a 2.59 ERA, MLB-leading 255 strikeouts, 11.2 strikeouts per nine, and is a Cy Young Award finalist. Brayan Bello holds down the middle of the rotation. He posted career bests in 2025 with a 3.35 ERA over 166 2/3 innings. It’s a strong foundation for a franchise that is ready for World Series contention. Lucas Giolito and Boston have a mutual option that will certainly be rejected, but eligibility for a qualifying offer may keep him at Fenway Park. After Crochet and Bello, questions and speculation arise as to what path Breslow will take to construct a dominant and more reliable rotation. So, what in-house talent can fill the remaining spots? And who is available via trade or signing that is realistic for Boston to target?
Garrett Crochet, 100mph on his 117th Pitch. ?
11th K. pic.twitter.com/5oONH5o557
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 1, 2025
In-House Talent Pool
Homegrown arms spark real buzz among fans and baseball’s largest voices. A plethora of prospects took the slab for Boston throughout the 2025 season. Richard Fitts, Hunter Dobbins, Payton Tolle, Connelly Early, and Kyle Harrison all recorded starts with promising feedback. Then, starters who either didn’t pitch at all or got injured remain in the hunt for a starting job in 2026. Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, and Patrick Sandoval. All this builds a ridiculous amount of depth, but at this point, no one quite fits that proven No. 2 mold yet.
Richard Fitts (@RedSox) becomes the 2nd pitcher in MLB history to deliver 5+ innings without allowing an earned run in each of his first 3 big league starts! pic.twitter.com/fK7SmOsaDo
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 21, 2024
Eyeing Trade Acquisitions
Shifting gears to deals, Boston has prospect capital and proven MLB talent to score a big fish this winter. Joe Ryan leads the wish list. Boston nearly nailed the coffin for him at the trade deadline, but the reluctance to include Tolle brought conversations to a halt. New reports suggest Cincinnati Reds ace Hunter Greene may be available. Greene is under control through 2028, with a team option for 2029. The Reds are desperate for MLB-level offense, and Boston has the ingredients that may intrigue general manager Brad Meador. In the second half of 2025, former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara is another candidate to keep an eye on. Boston reached out to Miami at the deadline, though conversations didn’t progress much. Other frontline arms that will be on the hot stove this winter include Mitch Keller, Edward Cabrera, Luis Severino, Sonny Gray, Pablo Lopez, and MacKenzie Gore.
Reds writer @m_sheldon speculates that Reds ace Hunter Greene could be available for trade this offseason, with the goal of getting Cincinnati more offense at the MLB level.
Greene is controlled through 2028 with a team option for 2029. Count me all the way in. pic.twitter.com/z3WB24HW0x
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) October 14, 2025
Free Agency Opportunities
The open market dangles real chances. Dylan Cease, now a free agent, won’t be a name tied to trade rumors with Boston. Framber Valdez, a groundball specialist, will draw a large crowd and a substantial paycheck despite clubhouse drama. Neither of those options, though, excites the Red Sox front office like Michael King. The 30-year-old was riddled with injury in 2025, posting 15 starts and 73 1/3 innings. Despite not having his best stuff, a 3.44 ERA, and a strong track record when healthy, pursuing King allows Breslow to sign a big name without paying a premium. Brandon Woodruff also fits the mold for Boston, but no smoke there at this time.
Michael King’s 3Ks in the 4th. pic.twitter.com/aU6PkR9x5e
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 2, 2025
Spotlight on Breakouts
Rising stars stir quiet hope. Prospect Connelly Early leads the pack. His bloody Baseball Savant page and elite extension draw empty swings. In four starts with Boston, a 2.33 ERA and 36.7 strikeout percentage lit up headlines in September. Kyle Harrison impressed with 12 innings in September and a 3.00 ERA. Payton Tolle, who fast-tracked from Single-A all the way to the Red Sox, has the best fastball in MLB according to Baseball Savant and FanGraphs. These southpaws echo Crochet’s filth, and fittingly so, have been dubbed ‘the piglets’ by fans. Then, Luis Perales, fresh off Tommy John surgery, will have an opportunity to compete for a starting job in Fort Myers next spring. Growing these guys saves green for Breslow and owner John Henry, and they all have raw talent to develop into quality big league arms.
Watch all 11 Ks from Connelly Early’s debut
: @MLB pic.twitter.com/YEgPUw3W4W
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 10, 2025
Charting the Course Ahead
The Red Sox turn to a new chapter this winter, but Crochet roots deep as the unquestioned anchor of the rotation. That elusive No. 2 spot? It blooms from a clever mix of paths. Farm-system sparks like Tolle and Early fly high on raw promise. Bold trades deliver instant pop from arms like Ryan or Greene. Savvy free-agent grabs can turn a contender into a favorite overnight. All eyes lock on for the rumors and deals that are to come. The Red Sox are ready for another dominant title window. Will Breslow make it happen, or will another year fly by, leaving fans questioning him yet again?
Main Photo Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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