Offseason pitching acquisitions could yield massive dividends for the Boston Red Sox in 2026.<\/p>\n
Despite brandishing MLB\u2019s fifth-lowest team ERA (3.72) last season, the Red Sox still revamped their starting rotation by acquiring Sonny Gray, Ranger Su\u00e1rez and Johan Oviedo. They may have significantly bolstered a strength<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n MLB statistician Thomas Nestico ran projections for each team\u2019s adjusted ERA (ERA+), a metric that accounts for factors such as ballpark and quality of opponent. A 100 ERA+ is considered league-average, with a higher number representing a better result for pitchers.<\/p>\n Nestico calculated composite projections<\/a> by averaging five different projection models. That exercise predicts an MLB-best 112 ERA+ for Boston, beating out the runner-up Los Angeles Dodgers at 108.<\/p>\n Steamer (112), The Bat (113), ATC (111) and Zips (113) each project Boston to possess the best ERA+ this season. OOPSY is the one forecaster not as dazzled by the Red Sox. Their 108 projected ERA+ trails the Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays at 112 each.<\/p>\n The Red Sox\u2019s offseason additions help their cause. ATC projects a 3.72 ERA<\/a> for Su\u00e1rez in 165 innings and 3.79 ERA in 175 frames by Gray<\/a>. Oviedo has a 4.24 projected ERA<\/a>, but he may not spend the entire season in the rotation. Rookie southpaw Connelly Early is expected to make an impact with a 3.60 ERA<\/a> in 60 innings.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Garrett Crochet\u2019s 3.07 ERA is ATC\u2019s third-best projected mark <\/a>among all starting pitchers behind Cy Young Award winners Paul Skenes (2.76) and Tarik Skubal (2.78). While Aroldis Chapman will have a hard time fully replicating last year\u2019s dominance, his 3.04 projected ERA remains the fifth-lowest projection among relievers.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n The Red Sox lost Alex Bregman without landing a replacement star hitter in free agency, but their pivot to pitching could lead them back to the postseason.<\/p>\n More MLB:<\/p>\n