"We’ll continue to be aggressive in pursuing starting pitching"- Red Sox CBO on strengthening rotation and targeting key additions

The Boston Red Sox are not planning to sit idly this offseason as division rivals load up on talent for the upcoming season.

During an appearance on MLB Network Radio on Dec. 17, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow discussed the club’s plans and praised the position players on the roster, noting how the team has evolved defensively.

However, pitching remains the organization’s primary focus.

“We recognize that teams that win in the postseason, they pitch,” Breslow said. “The ability to build out quality and depth in our rotation is something that’s going to serve us well over the season.”

Breslow acknowledged that the loss of quality arms from the bullpen is a significant factor in the team’s efforts to bolster its pitching staff. Breslow emphasized the need for depth, noting that injuries significantly affected the team last season.

“We’ll continue to be aggressive in pursuing starting pitching.”

This offseason, the Red Sox have added Garrett Crochet in a deal with the Chicago White Sox as the team aims to add more to get more rotation pieces.

Boston Red Sox looking at available options in free agent and trade markets

In a The Athletic article on Dec. 16. insider Ken Rosenthal provided insights regarding available arms the Red Sox could target.

Rosenthal specifically named Jack Flaherty, an arm Boston pursued last winter. Flaherty signed with the LA Dodgers last offseason but could be back on Boston’s radar.

Rosenthal also named Seattle Mariners hurler Luis Castillo and San Diego Padres ace Dylan Cease.

The Red Sox will need to keep pace in the AL East’s escalating arms race. The New York Yankees added ace Max Fried, while the Toronto Blue Jays have upgraded defensively and the Baltimore Orioles remain positioned for another strong season.

Adding Crochet was a solid start, but the Red Sox need more depth to remain competitive over the long haul. Boston is currently $50 million below the $241 million luxury tax threshold, giving the club ample room to make a significant move this offseason and beyond.