With a 57-50 record, the Boston Red Sox don’t appear to be World Series contenders at the moment. As they look to revamp their roster this offseason, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer suggests that Corbin Burnes could be a key target for them. Rymer predicts that the Baltimore Orioles’ ace will sign with the Red Sox in free agency.
Rymer speculates that if teams like the Yankees or Dodgers don’t aggressively pursue Burnes, it could open the door for high-spending teams like the Mets, Rangers, and notably, the Red Sox, to secure his services. He forecasts an eight-year, $288 million deal for Burnes with Boston.
The Red Sox, who once spent significantly more on player salaries, are expected to use this offseason as an opportunity to return to that level of investment. Despite strong individual performances from Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford, Boston’s overall pitching has been average, ranking 13th in ERA, allowing the 14th-most home runs, and 16th in strikeouts.
Adding Burnes would significantly boost their rotation. The 29-year-old is having a stellar season with an 11-4 record and a 2.47 ERA, having struck out 128 batters in 138.2 innings.
Although Baltimore may offer a better chance at a World Series, Burnes has indicated a desire to explore free agency to maximize his value.
In the same column, Rymer also predicts that the Red Sox will re-sign Tyler O’Neill. He suggests a three-year, $45 million deal for O’Neill, emphasizing that his presence is crucial for the team, particularly as they lack strong right-handed hitters. O’Neill, who is batting .268/.353/.546 with 22 home runs and 45 RBIs this season, has thrived at Fenway Park and should be a priority for Boston.
As of August 1, the Red Sox are 6.5 games behind the Orioles and Yankees in the AL East, and their quest to improve continues.