**Red Sox Linked to 4-Time All-Star Predicted to Sign $288 Million Deal**
After finishing the 2024 season with an even 81-81 record, the Boston Red Sox are looking to make some significant moves for 2025, particularly in improving their starting rotation. President of baseball operations Craig Breslow is reportedly eyeing top-tier pitching talent, and one name that stands out is four-time All-Star Corbin Burnes.
In a recent report by *The Athletic’s* Jen McCaffrey, Breslow expressed the importance of bolstering the pitching staff. McCaffrey mentioned Burnes, along with Max Fried and Jack Flaherty, as potential free-agent targets for the Red Sox. While Breslow has been cautious in discussing specific names, he emphasized the need for an ace to lead the rotation, a pitcher who can deliver when it counts the most, especially in high-stakes situations like playoff games.
“Every team in baseball is well served by having someone at the front of the rotation that can win a game when the team needs it, win a playoff game,” Breslow said. He also acknowledged the strides made by current pitchers like Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford but emphasized that there is still room for improvement. Adding an elite pitcher, like Burnes, could be a game-changer for Boston.
**What Corbin Burnes Could Bring to the Red Sox**
In 2024, Boston’s starting rotation performed respectably, posting a 3.81 ERA, which ranked seventh in the league. However, signing Burnes would provide an immense boost to their already solid rotation.
Burnes, who spent 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles after being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers, continued his dominant form in the American League. He posted a 15-9 record, a 2.92 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and struck out 181 batters across 194.1 innings. This marks his third consecutive season of pitching over 190 innings, demonstrating both durability and excellence on the mound.
Since 2020, Burnes has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, amassing a 2.88 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 946 strikeouts in 816.2 innings. This stretch includes four All-Star selections and four top-10 finishes in Cy Young Award voting, with Burnes winning the prestigious award in 2021 while with Milwaukee.
Given his track record, Burnes is widely considered the top starting pitcher available in free agency this winter. However, signing him will come at a high cost, especially since he is represented by super-agent Scott Boras. Some estimates, like Spotrac, suggest Burnes’ market value could be around six years and $180 million. But there are also predictions that his contract could surpass $200 million. *Bleacher Report’s* Zachary D. Rymer predicted Burnes could sign an eight-year, $288 million deal with Boston.
**Is Alex Cora Hinting at a Big Offseason for the Red Sox?**
There have been indications from Red Sox management that the team is ready to make significant investments in the roster this offseason. Red Sox chairman Tom Werner mentioned last November that the team would go “full throttle” in improving the roster after hiring Breslow. However, no blockbuster moves were made during the last offseason.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora recently hinted that this could change. Speaking on NESN’s *310 to Left* podcast, Cora said, “I think the front office is committed to take care of you [the fans]. You guys have taken care of us for so many years, it’s about time to take care of you.”
With just one winning season since 2020, the Red Sox are eager to return to contention, and acquiring a player like Burnes could be a pivotal move in their pursuit of postseason success in 2025.
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