Red Sox Seek Top Rotation Help After 2025 Injuries

The Boston Red Sox enter the offseason with a pressing need for starting-rotation help after injuries decimated their depth in 2025, and they are seeking a true No. 2 to pair with Garrett Crochet. Boston is expected to be active in trade and free-agent markets, with insiders linking the club to starters such as Freddy Peralta, Tarik Skubal and Shane Bieber — the latter carrying a $16 million player option for 2026. The Sox also view bullpen reinforcement as a priority, with names floated ranging from reclamation projects and veteran late-inning arms (Aroldis Chapman, Trey Wingenter, Brendan Weaver, Andrew Chafin) to depth options like Nick Matz. Offensively, Boston has been connected to established sluggers including Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, though both moves would carry significant payroll and luxury-tax implications. With payroll flexibility and a strong farm system, the Red Sox are positioned to pursue top rotation upgrades while keeping much of their coaching staff intact — Jason Varitek agreed to a multi‑year extension, John Soteropulos was promoted, and bench coach Ramón Vázquez is expected to return.