Stearns played a crucial part in the front office, being involved in drafting Burnes and nurturing him into a Cy Young Award-winning starting pitcher. In 2022, Burnes went through a rather unpleasant arbitration process with the Brewers, yet he expressed that he holds no grudges against Stearns and emphasized that their relationship is great.

Rebuilding the Starting Rotation

Stearns and Cohen are now faced with the task of rebuilding the starting rotation. Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana all became free agents at the end of the season. Burnes stands out as the most promising pitcher available to the Mets, capable of replacing and even upgrading the existing production.

The Boston Red Sox's 2024 Season

The Boston Red Sox had a quietly productive 2024. Despite finishing 81-81, outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu had breakout seasons, along with catcher Connor Wong. More significantly, their pitching staff took a step forward, with starter Tanner Houck leading the way. The Red Sox had a 3.81 starting pitcher ERA in 2024, placing them seventh in the league. Houck pitched 178 innings with a 3.12 ERA. With the offensive breakout witnessed by Boston, adding a genuine ace like Burnes would solidify them as playoff contenders. The Red Sox had a significant amount of money come off the books in 2024, with only about $110 million committed to the 2025 payroll. It is expected that this number will increase with a team from one of the larger markets in the league. Since signing David Price in 2015, the Red Sox have seemed hesitant to make big moves in free agency for starting pitchers.

Houck's Impact on the Red Sox

Tanner Houck played a pivotal role in the Red Sox's 2024 success. His consistent performance with a 3.12 ERA across 178 innings demonstrated his reliability on the mound. His leadership and ability to handle different game situations were crucial in the team's overall improvement. The Red Sox's pitching staff benefited greatly from his presence, and his contribution cannot be overlooked.

The Potential of Burnes with the Red Sox

Burnes' addition to the Red Sox would bring a new dimension to their pitching. His skills and experience as a Cy Young Award-winning starter would enhance the team's chances of making a deep playoff run. The Red Sox have been in need of a top-of-the-rotation pitcher for some time, and Burnes fits that bill perfectly. His ability to dominate on the mound and handle pressure situations would give the Red Sox a significant edge in the competitive baseball landscape.