Red Sox Pitchers Push Each Other With Rotation Challenge

BOSTON — The Red Sox attacked the pitching staff as an area of need this winter.

Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler arrived to add talent to the rotation. Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford offer foundational homegrown arms, while depth options are plentiful between MLB and Triple-A with Cooper Criswell, Richard Fitts, Hunter Dobbins and Quinn Priester.

Those arms will also sharpen each other in 2025 as Lucas Giolito makes his team debut after an injury during spring training ended his season last year before it started. The Red Sox right-hander is ready to show his stuff and embrace the comradery of the talented group of pitchers, beginning with the team’s new ace.

“Super pumped,” Giolito told reporters during “Fenway Fest” on Jan. 11. “Especially for that guy standing over there, Garrett Crochet. … Last year he really established himself as an elite-level starting pitcher. I was super excited when we made that move. He’s gonna help lead the rotation. Just coming out doing what he does at a very high level.

Giolito continued: “I think that Tanner, another guy in the room, is going to continue to build off of a massive breakout year last year. I’m excited about our staff, our bullpen as well. Our entire pitching staff. I think we’ve got a lot of talent and a good amount of experience. Walker brings that World Series-winning experience. I think we have a really good mix.”

The Red Sox faltered in the second half of the last three seasons when fatigue, injuries and ineffectiveness plagued the pitching staff. Boston is far better constructed to combat those obstacles in 2025 with postseason baseball on the mind.