Red Sox Strong linked to rival superstar; could Boston actually close the deal?

The Boston Red Sox are clearly looking to expand their starting lineup this winter.

Boston is well positioned for the 2025 season with Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford and Brayan Bello. The Red Sox will also have Lucas Giolito back on the mound at some point. Aside from that, Boston needs to work out a plan for the rest of the rotation.

The Red Sox need to add another top starter to their roster and can afford one as a free agent if they want. Boston is not far from being considered a top contender in the American League, and a starter could change that.

It's too early to know exactly what Boston will do, but MLB.com's Mark Feinsand mentioned the team as a possible addition to Baltimore Orioles superstar Corbin Burnes.

“Burnes has been everything the Orioles hoped he would be in 2024 and has given Baltimore the workhorse star it has been looking for,” Feinsand said. “Burnes had no problem moving to the American League for the first time in his career, and while the Orioles will likely do whatever it takes to keep the four-time All-Star and 2021 (National League) Cy Young Award winner, several clubs are likely to compete for Burnes — who is heading for his fifth consecutive top-10 Cy Young finish and could become the eighth pitcher to win the honor in both leagues. Possible candidates: (New York Mets), Orioles, (and) Red Sox.”

Burnes is widely considered one of the best pitchers in baseball, and signing him would completely change the perception of the Red Sox.

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