Red Sox Rumors: Boston ‘In Contact’ With These Free-Agent Pitchers

The Red Sox reportedly added an intriguing left-hander and might not be done after that.

Boston on Friday reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Patrick Sandoval. The former Los Angeles Angels pitcher won’t be available until the second half of 2025 or the start of 2026. It’s a potential high-upside option similar to the James Paxton and Liam Hendriks deals.

That doesn’t mean the Red Sox are out on the rest of the free-agent pitchers on the market. The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier reported that the Red Sox were “in contact” with Corbin Burnes, Walker Buehler and Nick Pivetta. The MLB insider also noted the Sox were still exploring the trade market even after acquiring Garrett Crochet.

Burnes became the top prize in the market after Max Fried netted a historic deal with the New York Yankees. The 2021 National League Cy Young winner is also expected to receive a lucrative contract, which is likely why his market stalled after the MLB winter meetings.

Buelher and Pivetta’s markets likely are tied to Burnes since teams would move quickly to the other pitchers in the market after Burnes is locked up. Buehler reportedly has a clear goal for his next contract. Boston extended a qualifying offer to Pivetta, but the right-hander rejected it and gained interest from multiple teams.

A move isn’t expected heading into the holiday break, but multiple teams, including the Red Sox, remain active to lock up an upgrade to their roster.