The Red Sox would make this move thinking it's a great idea, but this season has shown it might not be.
Red Sox predicted to fall into familiar trap by adding veteran three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Boston Red Sox have been on a roll this season compared to their past few, sitting in the second Wild Card spot with a record of 65-55. While it seems like they are firing on all cylinders, they still have one visible weak spot: their starting pitching.
Fansided’s Curt Bishop believes they will try to upgrade their backend this offseason, but not with a real upgrade. Bishop believes due to the Sox’ past few years of being reluctant to spend big on free agents, they will make the same mistake as the San Francisco Giants, and sign veteran Cy Young and MVP Justin Verlander.
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“Boston's need for starting pitching and reluctance to spend big in recent years could lead them to a potential match with the three-time Cy Young winner, as his price tag should be lower,” Bishop wrote. “Boston needs to aim higher. Verlander would essentially be another Buehler, but with a far better track record. The recent performance of the 42-year-old don't exactly bode well for a bounce-back.
This season has been one of Verlander’s worst, and the Giants are paying for it. He’s posted a 4.53 ERA and only 87 strikeouts, and he’s 1-9. He also only got that win halfway into the season, on July 23rd.
Bishop continued, writing that the Sox have much better options to pick from this offseason, and need to spend big.
“There will be much better options available in free agency or on the trade market, even if they are forced to keep Buehler around…The Red Sox need to get back to spending big money on top free agents if they want to remain competitive,” Bishop stated.
Hopefully the Sox listen to Bishop’s opinion, as fans are definitely tired of the front office barely spending and opting for pitching projects.
Category: Baseball
