Could the Boston Red Sox poach from the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series roster to bolster their pitching staff? With the recent conclusion of the 2024 MLB season, the Red Sox ended their campaign with an 81-81 record, placing them third in the American League East. Their pitching rotation posted a commendable 3.81 ERA, ranking seventh overall in Major League Baseball, but it was insufficient to secure a postseason berth. As they look ahead to 2025, the Red Sox are eager to enhance their roster with effective additions.
As the season progressed, the depth of Boston's pitching staff was put to the test. The team relied heavily on 44-year-old veteran Rich Hill, who made four starts down the stretch, alongside emerging players like Cooper Criswell and Richard Fitts. While these depth pieces surprised many and performed admirably, they ultimately could not lift the team into Wild Card contention, finishing five games shy. This raises the question: will the Red Sox consider acquiring talent from the Dodgers, particularly with Walker Buehler set to become a free agent?
Walker Buehler, a promising pitcher who has faced injury setbacks, could be a viable buy-low option for the Red Sox. Despite spending a significant portion of the season on the injured list due to right-hip inflammation, his recent performances have shown potential for a strong comeback. In a crucial World Series Game 3 start, Buehler delivered five scoreless innings, striking out five batters and allowing just two hits and walks, helping the Dodgers secure a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Buehler's 2024 regular season stats were less stellar, with a 5.38 ERA across 75 1/3 innings in 16 starts, but his historical performance speaks volumes. Since being drafted 24th overall in 2015, he has proven to be a frontline starter with a career record of 47-22, a 3.27 ERA, and a remarkable strikeout-to-walk ratio of 754-to-190. As the Red Sox consider their options in bolstering their pitching staff, Buehler stands out as a strategic target, particularly amidst a competitive free-agent market featuring other high-profile pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried.
The Red Sox's chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, is likely to seek opportunities that enhance the rotation without incurring excessive costs. Adding a two-time All-Star with a history of injuries like Buehler could provide the perfect balance of talent and affordability as the team aims for a stronger showing in the upcoming season. The question remains: can the Red Sox capitalize on this potential acquisition to turn their fortunes around in 2025?
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