Red Sox Reportedly In Bidding War For Astros Esteemed Free-Agent Hurler

The Boston Red Sox have been focused on two areas of need this winter, adding starting pitching and an impact right-handed bat with positional versatility.

Thus far, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow brought in right-hander Lucas Giolito to address the former — to some degree — and has done nothing to address the latter.

While those areas of need remain the priorities, Breslow should be in the market for any opportunities to improve the big-league roster and appears to be targeting a potential high-leverage reliever to bolster the bullpen.

“The (Chicago) Cubs and Red Sox are two big market teams who have expressed interest in veteran reliever Ryne Stanek,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Thursday.

Stanek posted a 4.09 ERA with a 51-to-21 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .221 batting average against and a 1.24 WHIP in 50 2/3 innings last season.

That level of production would be welcomed for a Red Sox staff with uncertainty surrounding the front of the bullpen. His numbers from a year prior, however, rival the best bullpen seasons in recent memory.

The right-hander recorded a 1.15 ERA with a 62-to-31 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .188 batting average against and a 1.23 WHIP in 54 2/3 innings.

While that season appears to be somewhat of a fluke, the 32-year-old has a 142 ERA+ over the last three seasons — meaning he’s been 42% better than league average over the aforementioned span.

Given recent reports, you have to wonder if the signing of Stanek would trigger a trade for closer Kenley Jansen — who is owed $16 million in 2024. If that is the case, it could open the door for a Jordan Montgomery signing.

The Red Sox continue to be frugal, so the highest likelihood would be that Breslow is outbid by Chicago or another suitor for what becomes a reasonable contract, leaving fans increasingly frustrated.

More MLB: Red Sox Among Teams Interested In Top Four Free Agents Remaining

Scott Neville covers the Boston Red Sox for Sports Illustrated’s new page “Inside The Red Sox.” He got his start covering the team for NESN after graduating from Merrimack College in 2021.