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Craig Breslow discussed the potential of adding more help to Red Sox starting rotation
"We still intend to improve our team."
Craig Breslow spoke after the Sonny Gray trade: Following the notable addition of right-handed starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the Red Sox rotation on Tuesday via a trade with the Cardinals, Boston Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow spoke to the media to provide some context.
“He was somebody that we had interest in, but it’s early in the offseason and there’s interest across a whole span of players,” Breslow said of Gray, a three-time All-Star.
“When you think about what Sonny has been in this league, it’s a guy who has pitched at the front of rotations, and those things that we think pitchers carry year to year — things like strikeouts rates and walks rates and ability to stay off barrels — he excels there,” Breslow added. “So we’re really excited about adding a guy who’s coming off back-to-back 200-strikeout seasons, and shouldering a significant workload.”
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The Boston front office executive was asked multiple times about one of the intriguing questions that lingered even after the Gray deal was announced: Is Gray the team’s official answer to the offseason need of finding a No. 2 starter?
“I don’t know how much sense it makes in November to put a number on a guy,” Breslow replied when asked if Gray was set to be the No. 2 starter behind ace Garrett Crochet. “I think Sonny is a very talented Major League pitcher. The seasons that he’s put up pretty consistently indicate that to be the case.
“That said, we still intend to improve our team,” he continued. “Exactly what that looks like, we don’t know right now. But we’ll continue to explore opportunities and figure out where that takes us.”
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Later in the press conference, Breslow was again put to the question: Could he still add a very high-end starter?
“I don’t want to paint ourselves into a corner,” he said. “We felt like there was an opportunity to upgrade our rotation in 2026, and so we did that. It’s early in the offseason. There are still opportunities that I anticipate materializing. Exactly what those look like, I’m not sure. But we’re not going to close off any chance to make the team better.”
In a reference to the experience he’s acquired since taking the role with the Red Sox in 2023, Breslow noted that he’s trying to be decisive.
“In two short years here, I’ve learned that when you have an opportunity in front of you that makes sense, you need to act on it.”
Trivia: Sonny Gray was picked in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft. It was a notable first round, including players like George Springer, Francisco Lindor, and current Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story. Can you recall the now-former Red Sox outfielder who was picked in that round as well?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He was a Gold Glove winner in 2018, and was also the MVP of the ALCS that season too.
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Scores and schedules:
The Celtics host the Pistons today at 5 p.m. in a group stage NBA Cup matchup.
The Bruins face the Islanders on the road tonight at 7 p.m.
The Fleet play the Sceptres on Saturday in Toronto at 2 p.m.
And the Patriots play the Giants at Gillette Stadium on Monday night at 8:15 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
- 4 things to know about new Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray
- Sonny Gray trade grades: What experts are saying about Red Sox’ move for All-Star pitcher
- Morgan Geekie maps out doubts, belief, and motivation that fueled a breakout year
- Celtics will be without center Neemias Queta (ankle) Wednesday against the Pistons, who have won 13 straight
- Three Patriots legends named semifinalists in new Hall of Fame ballot
- Patriots place CB Alex Austin on injured reserve, make 2 practice squad moves
Tom Brady’s power rankings: The Patriots legend placed his old team in the No. 2 spot.
On this day: In 1995, the Patriots rallied from a 25-13 fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Bills 35-25 in Buffalo. Curtis Martin ran for 148 yards, and Ben Coates caught three touchdowns in the comeback effort.
Daily highlight: Abby Roque scored an exceptional breakaway goal in Montreal’s 4-0 PWHL win over the New York Sirens on Tuesday.
Trivia answer: Jackie Bradley Jr.
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