As the MLB offseason unfolds amid uncertainty over the collective bargaining agreement expiration and a potential lockout, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox are shaping their pitching strategies for the 2027 campaign.
Dodgers Focus on Tarik Skubal
The Dodgers, who fielded a talented but injury-prone rotation in 2026 featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher, and others, are reportedly intent on acquiring two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. According to speculative reporting from The Athletic, Los Angeles needs a reliable innings-eater for 2027 given questions surrounding the health of Gavin Stone, the readiness of Jackson Ferris, and the depth behind Justin Wrobleski and Emmet Sheehan. If the Dodgers miss out on Skubal, they may not simply pursue the next top free-agent starters such as Freddy Peralta or Michael King, but could instead sign depth options to soak up innings ahead of a quick ramp-up post-lockout, similar to the Tyler Anderson signing before the 2022 season.
Red Sox Target Back-End Starter and Reliever
Coming off two consecutive Wild Card Series losses and sub-90-win seasons, the Red Sox are looking to bolster their pitching staff. MassLive reports Boston will be in the market for a back-end starter and a right-handed reliever with swing-and-miss capability. The rotation currently projects with Garrett Crochet returning from a near full-season injury, Payton Tolle and Ranger Suárez slotted as the second and third starters, and Jake Bennett as the fourth. The fifth spot could be contested among Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Tanner Houck, while Sonny Gray is headed for free agency. In the bullpen, left-hander Aroldis Chapman returns as closer with Garrett Whitlock and Erik Miller as setup men; Houck could also shift to a late-inning role if he does not secure a rotation spot.
