The Boston Red Sox are heading into a crucial offseason, with free agency just around the corner. While the action won’t officially begin until winter, speculation and rumors are already swirling. Boston has been mentioned as a potential landing spot for several big-name free agents, and there’s no doubt the team plans to be active in the market.
One of the Red Sox’s most pressing needs is pitching, particularly a left-handed starter. Max Fried, the standout pitcher from the Atlanta Braves, has been mentioned frequently as a possible fit for Boston. The team desperately needs a reliable lefty to strengthen its rotation, and Fried is set to be one of the top pitchers available in free agency.
However, not everyone believes Boston is the right destination for Fried. Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report recently called the Red Sox the “worst” fit for the Braves’ ace. His concern stems from Boston’s recent experience with Lucas Giolito, who signed a two-year, $38.5 million deal last offseason. He then missed the entire 2024 season due to injury. Given this setback, the Red Sox may be hesitant to invest heavily in another pitcher with a history of arm issues.
While Fried has been durable for much of his career, he has faced some injury concerns in recent years. Reuter suggests that Boston might prefer a pitcher with a longer track record of staying healthy and consistently delivering innings, especially if the team is going to commit to a significant financial investment.
Still, Fried remains one of the best pitchers on the market, and his talent would undoubtedly bolster the Red Sox’s chances of returning to contention. Fried is in his prime at 30 years old. He could be a key piece in their effort to build a competitive team for 2025 and beyond if Boston decides to pursue him.
In any case, the upcoming offseason will be critical for the Red Sox. Whether or not they decide to pursue Fried, fans can expect plenty of activity and excitement as the team looks to improve and move closer to championship contention.
