Red Sox May Change Pitching Plan as Players Improve

The Boston Red Sox are thinking about their pitching plan. Some pitchers are playing better, so the team might not need to get new players from other teams. They may also use a six-man rotation to help pitchers.
By Newsroom | Sports, Baseball |

A shift in the Boston Red Sox's pitching performance has led to internal discussions about a potentially unconventional approach to their starting rotation. What was once perceived as a clear need for significant external additions may now be reconsidered, with evidence suggesting a strategy beyond the standard five-man setup could be deployed. This evolving situation comes as the team navigates its current standing and looks toward potential postseason contention.

Context of Pitching Staff Performance and Needs

The Boston Red Sox have been publicly assessed regarding their pitching staff throughout the 2025 season. Initial reports from early 2025 indicated a need for bolstering the rotation, with suggestions ranging from acquiring high-end starters to considering trades for pitchers like Nick Martinez. The team's performance in certain areas, such as a 7.06 ERA in the first inning, highlighted immediate concerns requiring creative solutions from the coaching staff.

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  • Early Season Assessment: In January 2025, the possibility of a six-man rotation was explored as a way to manage existing pitchers and potentially address depth. This included considering pitchers like Lucas Giolito, who was returning from an elbow procedure, and Kutter Crawford, who had a notable number of starts in the previous season.

  • Mid-Season Performance Evaluation: By April 2025, with the team ranking 23rd in MLB in ERA (4.41) and 22nd in WHIP (1.36), trade discussions were proposed, including the idea of acquiring Nick Martinez and Alexis Diaz from the Cincinnati Reds. This involved potentially trading prospects and players like utilityman Ceddanne Rafaela.

  • Strategic Re-evaluation: As July 2025 approached, a notable internal reassessment of the rotation's strength emerged. This re-evaluation was attributed to the improved performances of several key pitchers.

Evidence of Strategic Reconsideration

Recent observations and reports suggest a divergence from earlier assumptions about the Red Sox's rotation needs. This change appears to be driven by the emergent performances of existing staff members and a willingness to explore less conventional strategies.

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  • Shifting Views on External Additions: MLB insider Ken Rosenthal noted a significant change in his assessment of the Red Sox's needs.

  • Previously: Rosenthal believed a "number two" starter was essential, positioned behind Garrett Crochet.

  • Currently: He stated, "Now, I don’t know that’s the case." This indicates a revised perspective on the urgency and necessity of acquiring a high-caliber starter.

  • Resurgence of Key Pitchers: Specific pitchers have shown marked improvement, contributing to the reassessment.

  • Lucas Giolito: His resurgence is cited as a key factor influencing the new outlook.

  • Brayan Bello: His performance has also been identified as a reason for the shift in the team's perceived needs.

  • Consideration of a Six-Man Rotation: The potential implementation of a six-man rotation has been a recurring topic.

  • This strategy could offer benefits in the latter half of the season, where the team has faced struggles in past years.

  • Pitchers like Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford are foundational to the current staff.

  • The presence of pitchers like Josh Winckowski and Garrett Whitlock, who have experience in different roles, along with Cooper Criswell, adds to the depth that could support such a strategy.

  • Addressing Specific In-Game Issues: The team's struggles in the first inning, marked by a high ERA, have prompted consideration of "weird" or creative solutions, potentially including the use of "openers."

Deep Dive: Performance vs. Potential

The Red Sox's decision-making process regarding their pitching staff appears to be a dynamic interplay between current performance metrics and the projected potential of their roster.

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Insider Believes Red Sox Could Deploy Surprising Strategy With Rotation - 1

The Case for Internal Strength

Arguments for relying more on internal development and existing pitchers are rooted in recent upticks in performance.

  • Improved Metrics: The improved outings by pitchers like Giolito and Bello suggest a stabilization and potential growth within the current staff.

  • Depth and Versatility: The presence of multiple arms capable of starting or providing depth (e.g., Dobbins, Priester, Fitts) lends credence to a strategy that maximizes these resources, such as a six-man rotation. This approach could manage workload and keep more pitchers engaged.

  • Past Struggles Addressed: If the internal improvements are sustained, it could mitigate the need for high-cost external acquisitions, a strategy that aligns with more cautious team-building.

The Case for External Reinforcement

Conversely, concerns about the rotation's overall consistency and specific performance gaps persist.

  • Persistent Weaknesses: Despite individual improvements, the team's overall pitching statistics (e.g., 23rd in MLB ERA) indicate systemic issues that may not be fully resolved by current internal performance.

  • First-Inning Woes: The specific challenge of a 7.06 first-inning ERA suggests a vulnerability that needs immediate and reliable solutions, which may be more readily available through established starters.

  • Trade Value Considerations: Reports of exploring trades for outfielders to address pitching needs highlight a recognized gap. Acquiring a proven starter could offer a more immediate and impactful solution compared to developing potential within a longer-term strategy.

  • Championship Aspirations: For a team with aspirations of reaching the World Series, the perceived risk of relying solely on internal improvements might outweigh the potential rewards, making a high-impact trade acquisition a more prudent path.

Expert Analysis on Rotation Strategy

Insider commentary highlights the evolving landscape of the Red Sox's rotation planning.

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Ken Rosenthal, a respected MLB insider, revised his outlook:

Insider Believes Red Sox Could Deploy Surprising Strategy With Rotation - 2

"A couple of weeks ago I would have said they needed a number two, right behind Crochet. Now, I don’t know that’s the case."

He attributed this shift to the "resurgence" of Lucas Giolito and the "step forward" by Brayan Bello.

Jim Bowden, another figure in MLB analysis, previously speculated on the team's offseason strategy, suggesting engagement with top free agents:

"The Red Sox’ strategy isn’t just about pitching, though. Bowden speculated that Boston could land two of them to solidify their rotation but not Juan Soto."

This indicates a broad range of considerations, from free agency to trade market and internal development, all contributing to the ongoing strategic debate.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Boston Red Sox's approach to their pitching rotation is currently under a period of active evaluation, marked by a notable shift from earlier perceptions of urgent need for external talent. The improved performances of key pitchers like Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello appear to be the primary drivers behind this reconsideration. This has led to the serious contemplation of a six-man rotation, a strategy that could leverage existing depth and manage pitcher workloads throughout the demanding second half of the season.

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While the internal narrative suggests a potentially more self-reliant approach, evidence of persistent challenges, such as a high first-inning ERA and historically average overall pitching statistics, remains. The team's front office and coaching staff are tasked with balancing the positive trajectory of current pitchers against the need for immediate impact and sustained success, especially for a team with playoff ambitions.

The decision on whether to pursue external acquisitions or commit to an internal-focused strategy, potentially involving a six-man rotation, will be a critical factor in the Red Sox's performance and their ultimate success in the 2025 season.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the Red Sox changing their pitching plan?
Some of their pitchers are playing much better lately.
Q: What new plan might they use?
They are thinking about using a six-man rotation. This means more pitchers will start games.
Q: Who is playing better?
Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello have improved their play.
Q: Do they still need to get new pitchers?
It is less clear now. They might not need to buy new players as much as they thought before.