What Red Sox Veteran Sees In Team’s Two Biggest Offseason Additions
Trevor Story understands what new teammates Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler can provide to the Red Sox.
After all, the veteran shortstop has stood in the batter’s box against Crochet and Buehler and knows how difficult they can be to hit.
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Crochet and Buehler headlined the offseason additions the Red Sox have made as they clearly focused on upgrading the team’s pitching staff. The moves get a thumbs up from Story, who sees the two starting pitchers as potential difference-makers for the Red Sox.
“The presence that those two guys bring,” Story told NESN.com this week. “You talk about Crochet, who is one of the most dominant guys in the league. And Buehler, who has that under his belt as well and obviously two championships. He brings a certain pedigree that comes with a lot of respect and leadership. I’m excited about having that in the pitching room. Also with (Aroldis) Chapman, it just seems like we’ve added a lot of presence along with a lot of talent that I think is going to serve us really well.”
Starting pitching was Boston’s biggest need heading into the offseason and Breslow made sure to check that box by first sending four prospects to the Chicago White Sox for Crochet before signing Buehler to a one-year deal in late December.
The Red Sox now have a much-improved rotation, with Crochet and Buehler joining Tanner Houck, who was a first-time All-Star in 2024, Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito and Kutter Crawford. Boston also added Patrick Sandoval, a left-handed depth piece who won’t be ready until well into the season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Crochet is the clear ace of that bunch while Buehler brings a level of experience that no one else on the staff has. And by adding those necessary pieces, it rose Story’s confidence level about what the Red Sox can achieve in 2025.
“It does a lot, man. It’s huge really,” Story said. “We just added a lot of depth in a spot that we needed it. There’s no doubt about it in my mind that is what wins the World Series is pitching and good defense. So, that’s where it has to start. And then you mix in some timely hitting and then I think that’s where you have something special.”