The Boston Red Sox are facing mounting pressure to reinforce their starting rotation — and one MLB insider says they "almost have to" strike a deal soon.

With Lucas Giolito potentially missing the entire 2024 season due to an elbow injury, the Red Sox are left with limited options and dwindling depth. While high-end free agents like Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Zack Greinke remain possibilities, FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray believes Michael Lorenzen makes the most sense.

"I think Lorenzen is what makes the most sense for the Red Sox," Murray said, noting that Boston was already a logical fit before Giolito’s injury — now, signing Lorenzen is "something they almost have to do."

Rotation in Question

Without Giolito, Boston’s projected rotation includes:

  • Brayan Bello

  • Nick Pivetta

  • Kutter Crawford

  • Tanner Houck

None of these pitchers posted an ERA below 4.00 in 2023. With James Paxton heading to the Dodgers and Chris Sale traded to Atlanta, Boston has lost two of its top three leaders in quality starts from last season.

Why Lorenzen?

  • Affordable Option: While Montgomery is expected to cost $100+ million, Lorenzen’s market is much more team-friendly.

  • Projected Cost: The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal projects Lorenzen will land around $20 million over two years — a reasonable price for mid-rotation stability.

  • 2023 Highlights:

    • 3.58 ERA in 18 starts for the Detroit Tigers

    • Earned an All-Star selection

    • Threw a no-hitter in his home debut after being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies

    • Struggled down the stretch with a 5.51 ERA over 7 starts in Philly

Across nine MLB seasons, Lorenzen has a 4.11 career ERA with 602 strikeouts in 69 starts. Baseball Reference projects a 4.34 ERA and 113 strikeouts over 137 innings in 2024 — not flashy, but serviceable for a team short on arms.

Frugal Moves, Logical Fit

Despite having payroll flexibility, the Red Sox have been reluctant to spend aggressively this offseason. According to Patrick McAvoy of FanNation, the front office seems focused on cost-effective solutions, and Lorenzen may be the right pitcher at the right price.

"A short-term deal with Lorenzen could make a lot of sense and fits within the club’s range," McAvoy wrote.

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