The Boston Red Sox have a clear need for a left-handed starting pitcher to bring balance to their rotation. Currently, their projected 2025 pitching lineup includes Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Lucas Giolito, assuming they stay healthy and aren’t traded. However, without a left-hander in the mix, Boston’s rotation remains incomplete, prompting The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey to suggest San Francisco Giants ace Blake Snell as a potential “impact” addition.
McCaffrey pointed to Snell’s projected value, referencing MLB Trade Rumors’ estimate of a five-year, $160 million contract. Snell, who was a leading starting pitcher on the free-agent market last winter following his National League Cy Young win, had to wait longer than expected to sign due to a slow-moving market. Alongside Jordan Montgomery, he didn’t secure a deal until the end of spring training, ultimately opting for a two-year contract with the Giants that included an opt-out clause. Although he struggled early on due to his rushed training ramp-up and two stints on the injured list, Snell showcased his prowess in the second half of the season.
“Over the final three months, he looked like a different pitcher, recording a no-hitter in July and a remarkable 15-strikeout game,” McCaffrey noted. His season’s stats underscore his resurgence, with a WHIP of 1.048—his best since 2018 when he won his first Cy Young Award with the Tampa Bay Rays. Snell’s late-season performance solidified his status as a top-tier pitcher, and he is expected to be a priority target for teams looking to upgrade their rotations this winter.
For the Red Sox, signing Snell would be a smart move. The club parted ways with veteran lefty Chris Sale last offseason, and bringing in Snell would restore the left-handed presence the rotation has been missing. His proven record and recent performance with the Giants suggest he could bring stability and dominance to the Red Sox, making him a valuable acquisition if Boston can reach an agreement with him.
Adding Snell would not only help fill the left-handed gap but also bring an experienced ace to the pitching staff.
