Should Red Sox Sign $73 Million All-Star Ace?

The Boston Red Sox added Garrett Crochet through a trade last season, but may have to try to find pitching on the open market this offseason. After trading away two top 100 prospects and two top 30 prospects to land Crochet, Craig Breslow may not want to dip into the farm system again.

During the general manager meetings in Las Vegas, Breslow noted that if the Red Sox add a starting pitcher, it will be someone the team can use at the front end of their rotation. However, he also made some comments indicating that he may prefer a free agent over a trade acquisition. With many great free agents available, Shōta Imanaga may be a great fit for the Red Sox.

“While we believe we’re in a window to contend and to compete for the postseason and World Series championships, we’re also mindful of keeping one eye on the future,” Breslow told The Athletic on Tuesday. “Trading away four really good young players for a starting pitcher (like the Crochet deal) is one way of pulling those wins forward, and there are times you have to do that. But we also don’t want to be in a position where we’re having to do that year over year.”

Imanaga checks both boxes for Breslow. He is not going to cost the Red Sox prospects, and he can slot in as the No. 2 in the rotation. He initially signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Cubs, but surprisingly hit the open market after some declined options.

The Chicago Cubs had the chance to exercise a club option that would extend Imanaga’s deal out to 2028 for more compensation. However, after the Cubs declined, Imanaga then had a $15.25 million player option. He declined his option, suddenly allowing him to be pursued. The Cubs did extend him a qualifying offer, meaning there is draft compensation attached to signing him.

Spotrac projects a four-year, $73 million deal for Imanaga. He may end up being cheaper than a pitcher like Dylan Cease or Ranger Suárez, but he is just as effective. Imanaga was an All-Star in 2024 and has a 3.28 ERA through two seasons in Major League Baseball.

Imanaga recorded 55 of his 117 strikeouts on his splitter. It is a great pitch for him that he pairs with his four-seam fastball and sweeper. He does not have crazy velocity, with his four-seam fastball averaging 90.8 mph, per Baseball Savant. However, he gets outs and gives his team a chance.