Red Sox Free Agent Rumors and Latest News

MLB.com is keeping track of all the latest free-agent and trade rumors involving the Red Sox right here.

Nov. 6: ‘Widespread sense’ Red Sox can ‘trade for nearly anyone’ (report)
The pitching-needy Red Sox have six position players on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list. They also have a few attractive pieces already at the big league level who are not yet eligible for arbitration. That group includes first baseman Triston Casas, catcher Connor Wong and Gold Glove outfielder Wilyer Abreu.

It remains to be seen if Boston will address its pitching issues with a trade, but according to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier (subscription required), “there’s a widespread sense that the Sox can trade for nearly anyone.”

Speier mentions the Rays, Mariners, Giants and Pirates as teams with pitching depth that could be a good match for the Red Sox. Among specific pitchers, White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet, Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, D-backs right-hander Zac Gallen and Cardinals veteran right-hander Sonny Gray are possible trade options, according to Speier.

But it’s not a lock that Boston will add a notable starter via trade. It could instead get what it needs via free agency. According to The Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham, the Red Sox have told multiple agents at this week’s General Managers Meetings that they “plan to be active in the free-agent market.”

Nov. 5: Red Sox extend qualifying offer to Pivetta, who has ‘surprisingly strong’ market
The Red Sox gave the qualifying offer to starting pitcher Nick Pivetta on Monday. The right-hander has until 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 19 to either accept or decline the one-year offer, which would pay him $21.05 million for the 2025 season. If Pivetta accepts, he returns to Boston on a one-year deal. If he declines, he can negotiate a free-agent deal with all teams, including the Red Sox.

It’s an “interesting decision” for Pivetta, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Accepting the QO would represent quite a raise for the right-hander, who made $7.5 million this season. But there appear to be multiple teams interested the 31-year-old. Per MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, Pivetta has a “surprisingly strong” market.

Although he turned in a 4.14 ERA this season, Pivetta’s expected ERA was significantly better (3.59). Pivetta has also increased his strikeout numbers over the past two seasons and ranked among MLB’s top 10 starting pitchers this year (minimum 140 innings pitched) in K-BB rate. His 22.9% mark sat sixth between Jack Flaherty and Logan Gilbert.

Oct. 31: Biggest questions facing Red Sox this offseason
After missing the postseason for the third straight year in 2024, the Red Sox are facing many questions that will need to be answered prior to 2025.

Boston’s rotation exceeded expectations this past year, but the team could use a true ace to head up its starting staff. The Red Sox haven’t aggressively pursued external targets in recent years, but that could change this offseason.

Adding more right-handed firepower to their lineup is another major area of need for the Red Sox, especially with outfielder Tyler O’Neill heading to free agency following one season with Boston.

The Red Sox also need to address their bullpen, with Kenley Jansen, Chris Martin, Lucas Sims and Luis García on their list of pending free agents.

Read more about the offseason questions facing the Red Sox here.