The current state of Major League Baseball's starting pitchers is uncharacteristically weak, with no pitcher exceeding 230 strikeouts last season, a notable decline from previous years. Paul Skenes from the Pittsburgh Pirates stands out with an average fastball speed of 98.8 mph, ranking first in ERA but facing injury risks. Tarik Skubal, excelling in multiple pitching metrics, may lack offensive support. Zack Wheeler remains a consistent choice, though his strikeout rate is moderate. Chris Sale, a former Cy Young winner, poses injury concerns as he ages. Dark horse candidates include Blake Snell and Garrett Crochet, both capable of leading in strikeouts but plagued by inconsistencies. Lastly, Jacob deGrom's historical excellence contrasts with recent injury struggles.

The Boston Red Sox have made significant strides in their roster this offseason, positioning themselves as serious contenders in the American League. Key acquisitions include All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, star pitcher Walker Buehler, and promising reliever Garrett Crochet, supplementing a team that won 81 games last year. They bolstered their bullpen further with the addition of Aroldis Chapman and Adam Ottavino, addressing previous weaknesses.

With the Red Sox already showing formidable depth, a potential $7 million signing of David Robertson could elevate their chances against fierce rivals like the New York Yankees. Robertson, who had a solid 3.00 ERA with Texas in 2022, would add experience and stability to a bullpen that still has room for improvement. Such strategic moves are a clear indicator of Boston's ambition as they aim for a top-tier finish in the league.

Kristian Campbell, the Boston Red Sox's top prospect, is focusing on second base training as the team signed Alex Bregman. Bregman is expected to take over second base, complicating Campbell's ascent to the majors. Despite this, Campbell, at just 22, could benefit from additional time in Triple-A; he previously excelled at .330 across various minor league levels. He is part of a strong prospect trio, including Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony, and is projected to impact the big leagues this season.

The Red Sox have improved their roster significantly, adding Bregman and Walker Buehler, while also trading for Garrett Crochet. After a disappointing 2023, finishing third in the AL East, these moves signal a push for a playoff return. Campbell's future path may come down to where he plays this spring, as the organization considers shifting him to left field.

The 2024-25 MLB offseason delivered a whirlwind of significant transactions, highlighted by Juan Soto's groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets, setting the record for the largest contract in North American sports history. This bold move signals a new era under Mets owner Steve Cohen, who has fostered a family-oriented atmosphere. Additionally, the Dodgers acquired top international pitcher Roki Sasaki, enhancing an already formidable roster, prompting discussions around a potential salary cap due to their immense spending. The offseason also saw the Red Sox fortifying their rotation by trading for Garrett Crochet and the Cubs landing Kyle Tucker amidst a flurry of strategic moves across the league.

Garrett Crochet, now with the Boston Red Sox, has expressed hesitance towards signing a long-term contract extension, preferring to focus on his performance following a promising season. He values securing his family's future but wants to prove his worth as a starting pitcher before committing. Having transitioned from the Chicago White Sox, where he previously sought an extension to avoid injury during playoffs, Crochet compiled a 3.58 ERA over 32 starts last season, earning an All-Star nod.

At 25, Crochet is weighing the benefits of long-term security against the potential for greater earnings as a free agent after the 2026 season. His injury history necessitates strong performance to maximize future offers. Navigating this balance is crucial for his career trajectory, especially given the volatility of a pitcher's health.