In recent years, the Boston Red Sox have not spent as much as anticipated. However, they still have substantial financial resources and a deep upcoming free-agent class to explore. Their primary need is a top-tier starting pitcher, and a leading candidate for that role is Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes.
Burnes would be an ideal addition, and FanSided’s Zach Pressnell has suggested that the Red Sox might show interest in him.
“Boston has some decent pitching options, but I expect them to be active in the free-agent market for a top starter. Corbin Burnes could be a target to potentially replace Nick Pivetta,” Pressnell speculated.
While this is speculative rather than confirmed, it makes sense. Burnes has been frequently mentioned as a good fit for the Red Sox. As one of the best pitchers in baseball, he has performed well in the American League East this season with the Orioles, boasting a 3.18 ERA over 29 starts and helping stabilize their rotation amid several injuries.
“The baseline for Burnes’s free-agent contract would likely be similar to Stephen Strasburg’s seven-year, $245 million deal after the 2019 World Series or Max Scherzer’s initial deal with the Nationals in today’s dollars,” Britton said. “An extension projection for Burnes could be eight years, $260 million.”
Currently, the Red Sox are trailing the Minnesota Twins by four games for the final American League wild card spot. Manager Alex Cora admitted last month that he keeps a close eye on the standings and expressed frustration at the team’s inability to close the gap, especially as the Twins struggle.
“It’s one less day on the calendar,” Cora said. “But we’re still in it, and the Twins are coming here next week. We have to stay positive, even with the increasing number of teams in contention.”
The Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners are also in the mix, being 3.5 games back for the last wild card spot, with the Orioles and Kansas City Royals ahead of the Twins. The Red Sox have struggled since the All-Star break, with a 18-28 record over their last 46 games.
“We’ve not performed well since the Dodgers series in July,” Cora said. “We’re paying the price for that now.”
The Twins, having been swept by the Royals, start a six-game homestand against the Los Angeles Angels and Cincinnati Reds. With a 39-30 home record, they could intensify pressure on the Red Sox with a successful homestand.
Boston has 19 games left this season, with 16 against AL East teams. They face a tough schedule, including three series against teams currently holding playoff spots. To stay in contention for October, the Red Sox need to win their upcoming series against the Orioles. They are 33-39 at Fenway Park this season and have a 3-7 record against Baltimore.
