MLB insider explained why Red Sox have a ‘bigger issue’ than trying to sign Juan Soto
"This is a team that has a clear and obvious deficiency."
Ken Rosenthal’s view of Red Sox offseason priorities: Following a disappointing 81-81 season in 2024, the Red Sox are aiming to retool the team’s roster during the offseason.
While a clear priority continues to be courting highly-sought free agent Juan Soto, Boston also has other needs if it wants to compete in 2025.
Ken Rosenthal, an MLB reporter for The Athletic, recently broke down what the Red Sox front office’s aims should be.
Acknowledging at the outset that he thinks it’s “good to hear that the Red Sox are in on Juan Soto,” given that Boston currently has money to spend, Rosenthal prefaced by explaining the potential signing of the 26-year-old slugger would be a huge lift for the organization.
“Every team with money should be in on Juan Soto. The question I have for the Red Sox is, one, they’re already deep in left-handed hitting. Now granted, there’s only one Juan Soto, and he is unique among left-handed hitters, and if you can get him you figure out the rest,” Rosenthal said.
“The bigger issue for the Red Sox is they need starting pitching,” he continued. “This is a team that has a clear and obvious deficiency, and that’s where it is. They’ve got all these position prospects coming. They’re in really good shape overall.”
The top free agent pitchers list for the 2024-25 offseason includes Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Blake Snell. Rosenthal views the pursuit of increased pitching as a “more logical” move than simply signing Soto.
“I can see them trading for a starting pitcher, maybe [Garrett] Crochet,” Rosenthal noted. “I can see them signing a starting pitcher, [Max Fried] or [Blake] Snell would be ideal. I can see that more logically than signing Juan Soto unless you’re planning to do those other things too.”
Rosenthal pointed out how Boston’s current starting rotation is “all right-handed,” with a few question marks in the final two spots (at least).
“Ultimately, the Red Sox are going to need to address that,” he concluded. “If they can get Juan Soto, more power to them.”
Scores and schedules:
On Monday, the Bruins were routed 5-1 by the Blue Jackets.
Tonight, the Celtics host the Cavaliers in a group stage matchup of the NBA Cup at 7 p.m.
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On this day: In 1989, the Patriots rallied with 20 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Bills 33-24. John Stephens led a prolific New England rushing attack with 126 yards on 23 carries.
Elsewhere, the United States men’s soccer team defeated Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 to officially clinch a spot in the 1990 World Cup. It was the first time the U.S. men had reached the international tournament in 40 years.
Daily highlight: Tim Weah converted with a nice volley into the upper corner as part of a 4-2 U.S. win over Jamaica in the CONCACAR Nations League quarterfinals on Monday night.
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