The Boston Red Sox traded for Garrett Crochet last offseason, and this offseason could be spent trying to get him more help in the starting rotation.
The Red Sox have Brayan Bello, who had a solid season, behind Crochet. However, this offseason has plenty of options for the Red Sox to go after if they want to bolster the starting rotation. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly predicted the Red Sox would sign Merrill Kelly in free agency.
“The Red Sox would be a great fit for him, particularly if they don’t re-sign Lucas Giolito,” wrote Kelly on Monday. “Boston has the Cy Young runner-up in Garrett Crochet at the top of its rotation, with Brayan Bello behind him. But after that, there’s some uncertainty. Connelly Early has pitched 19 regular-season innings in his MLB career, while Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are both coming back from Tommy John surgery. Tanner Houck will likely miss all of 2026 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August.”
Craig Breslow mentioned earlier this month that if the Red Sox add to the starting rotation that it will be a move that brings a frontline starter to Boston. Kelly may not be as good as other options like Ranger Suárez, Dylan Cease or Michael King, but he figures to be cheaper.
Kelly predicted the Red Sox would give Kelly a one-year, $13.5 million deal as a free agent. The veteran pitcher is 37 years old and was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Texas Rangers last season.
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Before he was dealt, Kelly was having a great year. In 22 starts, he had a 3.22 ERA. However, in 10 games with the Rangers, he had a 4.23 ERA.
Kelly has a 3.77 ERA in his seven-year career. Kelly is inexpensive compared to other starters, which means the Red Sox could spend on other needs if they choose him over other options.