Rising Postseason Star Linked To Red Sox As Possible Offseason Rotation Boost

Boston could end up making a major splash this offseason in free agency

The Boston Red Sox could end up landing one of the best starting pitchers available this offseason.

Boston certainly needs to. The Red Sox's starting rotation has been beaten up over the last two seasons and the club will be looking to upgrade this offseason. Boston already has been linked to some of the biggest names who will be on the market and there's sure to be even more rumors before free agency even kicks off. One player who could end up being a match for the Red Sox is Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola, according to MassLive.com's Christopher Smith.

"The Red Sox need to add a few starting pitchers after finishing 22nd in starter ERA (4.68)," Smith said. "Nola will be one of the top starters on the free agent market despite a somewhat down season in 2023. The 30-year-old righty posted a 4.46 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 32 starts (193 2/3 innings). But Nola, who has always had strong command, recorded a 3.77 expected ERA and ranked in the 96th percentile in chase percentage (34.7%), per Baseball Savant.

"He has won both his postseason starts so far. He tossed 7 shutout innings against the (Miami Marlins) in the Wild Card round. He allowed two runs and struck out nine in 5 2/3 innings in a victory over the (Atlanta Braves) in the (National League Division Series)."

This isn't the first time Nola has been linked to the Red Sox. He will be one of the most sought-after hurlers this offseason and the Red Sox have been mentioned as a fit on multiple occasions. Nola and the Phillies held contract extension talks but they didn't go very far. Now, it seems likely that Nola will be playing elsewhere in 2024. 

Nola has been one of the most dependable righties in baseball since debuting in 2015 and although he had a somewhat down year in 2023, will have plenty of interest. The one-time All-Star has saved his best for last and has impressed in two postseason outings for the Phillies so far. 

Boston needs to go big this offseason and adding Nola is the perfect place to start.

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