Spring training is supposed to be all about fine-tuning, but for the Boston Red Sox, it turned almost like a survival test. Just two weeks ahead of the Opening Day, Boston’s starting rotation isn’t what they thought it would be. What seemed like a solid pitching staff is now a pile of injuries.
Kutter Crawford is out on knee surgery and Brayan Bello is sidelined with shoulder soreness. And as if that wasn’t enough, now Lucas Giolito is the latest hit. He suffered a low-grade hamstring strain on the very first pitch. Manager Alex Cora confirmed that Giolito will start the season on the IL.
So, just like that, three of their starters are on the IL, that too, before the season opener. But still, MLB insider Tyler Milliken is finding a silver lining.
Milliken said, “Lucas Giolito will start the season on the IL. Seems like a big opportunity for Quinn Priester and Richard Fitts to start the season. This is what you build depth for.” And that’s one way of seeing things. Sure, it’s a major blow for the team that signed Giolito to a $38.5 million deal, but injuries are inevitable in a sport like baseball with 162 games. The reality is teams simply have to be prepped.
Lucas Giolito will start the season on the IL, per @byJulianMack.
Seems like a big opportunity for Quinn Priester and Richard Fitts to start the season. This is what you build depth for. pic.twitter.com/otlm9FtdtW
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) March 13, 2025
The Boston Red Sox were relying on the right-hander to be a key piece they were missing. They missed him due to a partial UCL tear last year. But now Boston is forced to reshuffle the deck, and when they do so, Milliken’s words ring true: “This is what you build depth for.” Because the Boston Red Sox still have Quinn Priester, Richard Fitts, and Cooper Criswell. While they may not be a household name, they are part of the reason that Boston isn’t panicking.
Meanwhile, not all teams can say the same. Look at the New York Yankees.
Their ace, Gerrit Cole, is out because of an injury. Plus, their third baseman is also on the IL. And now, even before the season’s first pitch, they’re feeling the effects of it.
Boston planned for the chaos, and now that chaos has arrived, they’re handling it well. So while the Yankees might not have the curse of the Bambino, they sure can learn a thing or two about depth-building from their rival!
Boston Red Sox starting rotation holds up, but the bullpen?
The Boston Red Sox sure have done a splendid job with their starting rotation depth. But if you are being real, their bullpen is still in a question mark. Last season, Kenley Jansen was the guy closing all the games. But now, heading into 2025, they don’t have a clear-cut roster. Instead, they are hoping that Justin Slaten, Liam Hendricks, and Aroldis can get their job done.
That’s not the most solid plan, and hence Bleacher Report’s Zachary has given a name who could bring some extra help—David Robertson.
Rhymer said, “Robertson, meanwhile, had a 3.00 ERA and fanned 12.4 batters per nine innings as a 39-year-old for the Texas Rangers in 2024. It’s a surprise that nobody has snapped him up yet, though the stalemate surely won’t last forever. Bold Prediction: Robertson signs with the Boston Red Sox as another closer option.” And honestly, it does make sense. Yes, Robertson may be inching towards 40, but the guy can still get out.
Last season he put up that 3.00 ERA in 68 appearances for the Texas Rangers. And he was an important setup guy for Kirby Yates. Even at this age, he is racking up those saves—20 in 2022, 18 in 2023—and still, he has much to give in his tank. But why has no one signed him yet? Can be due to his contract.
Spotrac predicts that he can land a $7 million deal. But with free agency dragging on, he might have to settle for a deal around the $5 million mark. And this is when Boston might step in. But if they don’t, then the Dodgers can simply swoop in with an affordable, team-friendly contract.
If Boston wasn’t to shore up their bullpen, it’s not the time to wait—but to act. Do you think they will do so?
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