The Red Sox might lose out on the first pick in free agency, per the most recent rumors.
Like many other teams, Boston hopes to significantly strengthen its starting lineup this offseason. The Red Sox have been connected to Aaron Nola of the Philadelphia Phillies and have been mentioned as a team seeking to add two elite pitchers. Although there has been a lot of conjecture that Nola might be moving, Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports claims that it’s increasingly probable that he will return to Philadelphia.
“The Phillies’ contract talks with Aaron Nola have gained significant momentum in the past few days and there’s strong optimism that they’ll reach an agreement before the winter meetings,” Nightengale said. “Nola originally was seeking a seven-year, $210 million contract, while the Phillies were countering with a six-year deal for about $150 million. They are getting close to finding a middle ground with Nola making it clear to Phillies’ management that he wants to stay put.”
One of the best starting pitchers accessible in free agency is Nola. Since making his debut in 2015, he has established himself as one of the National League’s most consistent right-handed starters, and he is expected to sign a big contract. Despite having a poor season in 2023, this young player (only 30 years old) proved unstoppable in the postseason.
This offseason, Boston needs to add a number of starters, but it sounds like Nola might not be able to play. Other players like Texas Rangers lefty Jordan Montgomery, Orix Buffaloes sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Minnesota Twins pitcher Sonny Gray are available. If Boston hopes to strengthen the rotation, it will have to take financial risks.