The Red Sox need reinforcements on the mound. Going after Garrett Crochet and signing him long term was a great idea…and ideally he would need some help in the rotation.
It is said that the Red Sox could potentially acquire a pitcher via trade rather than as a free agent.
Obviously, Joe Ryan‘s name will circulate. The Twins risk trading him and we know that the Red Sox had interest in the Minnesota pitcher during the 2025 season.
But what about Tarik Skubal?
We obviously don’t know if the Tigers will trade him. But if it happens, it will be because a club with a big firm system (like that of the Red Sox) will have given the Tigers the moon for a year of control of the best pitcher in the world.
At MLB Network, without linking the two files, Jon Heyman said that he would not be surprised to see Jarren Duran playing in Detroit in 2026… before adding that Skubal’s name will be circulated at the GMs’ meeting next week.
Then, Buster Olney said that the Red Sox, who notably have a good surplus of outfielders (a need for the Tigers) in their organization, are well positioned to try to get Skubal out of Michigan.
The Mets and Mariners are also ones to watch.
Skubal, who is represented by Scott Boras, should logically become a free agent in a year. But if a club sees its window open even wider in 2026 with the premier pitcher in its ranks, the pitcher could leave Detroit.
After all, we know he won’t get what he wants with the Tigers. It’s clearer than ever.
I don’t know if the Red Sox will pick him up – in my eyes, if he moves, the Mets have to be the favorite – this winter. But it’s a club that I refuse to take out of the race at the moment… if there is a race, obviously.
To be continued, therefore.
