Introduction: Why This Off‑Season Matters
The MLB off‑season is never short on speculation, but a recent thread on Foul Territory has set the baseball world buzzing: “No other starting pitcher in Boston?” The rumor suggests the Boston Red Sox may walk away from the free‑agent market without adding a new arm to their rotation. At the same time, the Minnesota Twins are doubling down on keeping their own stars, refusing to let the market dictate their future.
Both storylines intersect on a core theme—how teams balance internal development against high‑priced external options. In this deep‑dive we’ll unpack the Red Sox’s pitching puzzle, examine who could realistically step into the #2 role (including the tantalizing “Sonny Gray” chatter), and break down the Twins’ aggressive strategy to lock up their talent pool.
Boston Red Sox Pitching Landscape
Boston entered the 2025‑26 off‑season with a rotation that, on paper, looks solid: Chris Sale (the ace when healthy), Nick Pivetta, Kenley Jansen (a surprise starter who transitioned from the bullpen), and emerging arms Gustavo López and Rafael Alvarez. Yet, the front office has publicly acknowledged depth concerns, especially after the mid‑season injuries that forced them to dip into the bullpen for spot starts.
The Rumor: “No Other Starting Pitcher in Boston?”
The tweet that ignited the conversation reads:
“No other starting pitcher in Boston? That’s the rumor. But who will be the club’s #2 pitcher? Sonny Gray? ‘They feel that they’re pretty deep, and they’ve got more coming [internally].’ @Ken_Rosenthal doesn’t anticipate the Red Sox adding another starting pitcher.” – Foul Territory
Ken Rosenthal’s assessment is based on two key observations:
- Internal depth: Boston’s minor‑league system produced four starters who posted sub‑3.80 ERAs in Double‑A and Triple‑A last season.
- Financial calculus: The Red Sox are already committed to $210 million in contracts for Sale, Pivetta, and Jansen. Adding another high‑priced free agent could push payroll beyond the $240 million ceiling they’ve set for 2026.
Who Could Fill the #2 Slot?
Even if the organization believes it’s “deep,” the #2 spot is pivotal. Historically, Boston’s success has hinged on a dominant second starter who can shoulder the load when the ace rests. Below are the most realistic candidates, ranked by probability and fit.
1. Sonny Gray (Minnesota Twins)
Gray’s name pops up repeatedly because he brings veteran stability, a proven track record against AL East lineups, and a contract that could be negotiated for a “team‑option” year. The Red Sox would need to trade a prospect or a mid‑level reliever, but the payoff could be immediate.
2. Internal Promotion: Rafael Alvarez
Alvarez posted a 2.97 ERA over 132 innings in Triple‑A Worcester, showing command of a three‑pitch mix that translates well to Fenway’s unique dimensions. A September call‑up this season would give the front office a live‑action evaluation before committing long‑term.
3. Trade Target: Luis Cervantes (San Diego Padres)
Cervantes is a high‑upside, low‑cost arm who struggled in the high‑altitude environment of San Diego but could thrive in Boston’s cooler climate. The Padres have indicated willingness to move a starter for a “prospect package,” making this a possible win‑win.
4. Free‑Agent Market: Veteran Low‑Cost Option
If the Red Sox truly want to avoid a major financial commitment, they could sign a veteran like Mike Miller (a 34‑year‑old with a 3.85 ERA last season). The downside is limited upside and a short‑term window, but it aligns with a “deep‑internal‑development” philosophy.
The Sonny Gray Angle: A Closer Look
Sonny Gray’s contract with the Twins expires after the 2025 season, and his agent has confirmed he’s open to exploring “new opportunities that align with championship aspirations.” Boston’s interest could be motivated by two factors:
- Left‑handed depth: The Red Sox currently have only one left‑handed starter (Pivetta). Gray would give them a balanced rotation and a tactical advantage against left‑handed heavy lineups like the New York Yankees.
- Post‑season experience: Gray pitched 30 games in the 2023 ALCS, offering a veteran presence that could mentor younger arms.
However, acquiring Gray would likely require a prospect‑heavy package, potentially draining Boston’s farm system—exactly what the Twins are trying to protect.
Minnesota Twins: Keeping the Core Intact
While Boston wrestles with its rotation, the Twins have launched an aggressive retention campaign. After a strong 2025 season that saw them finish second in the AL Central, the organization announced a series of moves aimed at “locking down” their star talent.
Key Moves Announced
- Extension for Byron Buxton: A 5‑year, $125 million deal that makes him the highest‑paid outfielder in the league.
- Contract renewal for Pablo López: A 4‑year, $70 million extension, keeping the left‑handed ace through 2029.
- Retention bonus for José Berríos: A $15 million incentive‑laden option for 2026, contingent on innings pitched.
Why the Twins Are Reluctant to Trade
The Twins’ front office, led by GM Chris Aubrey, has repeatedly emphasized “building a home‑grown championship core.” The organization believes that trading any of its marquee players would:
- Undermine fan confidence, especially after a record‑setting attendance surge in 2025.
- Devalue the team’s brand in a market where baseball competes with the Vikings and the Wild for attention.
- Risk losing the long‑term competitive window that management has projected (2026‑2029).
What This Means for the AL East and Central
Boston’s decision to potentially forego a high‑profile starter could reshape the AL East power balance. If they rely on internal arms, they risk a weaker rotation depth against the Yankees, Rays, and Orioles—all of which have fortified their bullpens and added versatile swingmen.
Conversely, the Twins’ commitment to retain Buxton, López, and Berríos signals that the AL Central could become the most stable division in baseball for the next five years. Their focus on continuity may force rivals like the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers to pursue aggressive trades or free‑agent signings to keep pace.
Key Takeaways
- Red Sox’s internal depth is real, but the #2 starter spot remains a question mark. The organization appears willing to promote from within or target modest‑cost external options rather than make a blockbuster acquisition.
- Sonny Gray is the most talked‑about external candidate. Acquiring him would provide immediate left‑handed depth but at the cost of valuable prospects—a trade‑off Boston may be unwilling to make.
- The Twins are doubling down on star retention. By extending contracts for Buxton, López, and Berríos, they aim to keep the core together and avoid the “sell‑high, rebuild” cycle that plagued other small‑market clubs.
- Division dynamics will shift. Boston’s reliance on internal talent could leave the AL East vulnerable, while Minnesota’s stability could make the AL Central the most competitive division for the next few seasons.
- Financial prudence vs. immediate impact. Both clubs illustrate the classic MLB dilemma: spend big now for a chance at a championship, or invest in long‑term sustainability and hope development pays off.
Conclusion: A Season of Strategic Choices
The off‑season is shaping up to be a study in contrasting philosophies. The Boston Red Sox seem poised to trust their farm system, potentially leaving a high‑profile #2 starter slot open for a player like Rafael Alvarez or a low‑cost veteran. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins are betting on continuity, locking up their biggest names to create a “win‑now” window that could extend through 2029.
Fans and analysts will watch closely as the trade deadline approaches. Will Boston finally break its silence and pull the trigger on a seasoned starter, or will they double‑down on home‑grown talent? Will the Twins’ retention strategy pay dividends in the form of deep playoff runs, or will an unexpected injury expose the risks of a “keep‑everything‑in‑house” approach?
One thing is certain: the decisions made in the next few weeks will reverberate throughout the league, influencing not just the Red Sox and Twins, but every team that drafts, trades, or signs a pitcher in the coming months. Stay tuned—MLB’s next chapter is just beginning.
Source: dose