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New Red Sox Trade Rumor Emerges After Missing Out on Blake Snell

After failing to sign LHP Blake Snell, a new pitching target has emerged for the Boston Red Sox ahead of the MLB Winter Meetings.

By Devon Platana

Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow talks with media at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow talks with media at George M. Steinbrenner Field. / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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The Boston Red Sox began the MLB offseason with a lengthy "to-do" list that included adding a credible left-handed starting pitcher.

A chunk of the fanbase wanted the Red Sox to target two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, however, those dreams were crushed when the veteran southpaw signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the LA Dodgers last week.

With Snell no longer an option, the Red Sox could consider targeting another certain proven left-handed arm in free agency.

Red Sox Rumors: Could Boston Target LHP Max Fried?

If the Red Sox are dead-set on adding an ace-quality LHP to their rotation, former NL Cy Young finalist Max Fried could be at the top of their list.

"Boston is believed to be seeking a left-handed starter, so it could turn its focus to Max Fried now that Snell is off the market," MLB insider Mark Feinsand reported on Tuesday. It was reported in November that the 30-year-old lefty could make between $25 million and $28 million annually on his next deal.

After missing out on Snell, it makes a ton of sense for the Red Sox to view Fried as the next best option. After all, the 3.4 WAR that the former 2012 first-rounder recorded last season is the highest among available starting pitchers at the moment.

Having said that, the 2024 campaign was also somewhat of a mixed experience for Fried. His ERA (3.25) rose above 3.00 for the first time since 2020 as he also recorded his most losses (10) and worst WHIP (1.164) of the last four seasons. Although he ended up receiving an MLB All-Star nod, it was still far from his best work on the mound.

The Red Sox's rotation is already decent, but it's clear how a dominant left-handed ace like Fried could help put the group over the top. His presence could be the difference in qualifying for the 2025 postseason and missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year.

With the MLB Winter Meetings beginning in Dallas, TX on Monday, it might not be long before Red Sox fans know if they should start preordering Fried jerseys.

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