If you’re checking the Red Sox schedule today, January 17, 2026, hoping to see a name penciled in next to a game time, I’ve got some news that might be a bit of a buzzkill. Nobody is pitching for the Red Sox today.
At least, not in a game that counts.
We are currently in the thick of the "hot stove" season. Fenway is likely covered in a layer of January slush, and the only thing heating up is the front office's phone lines. Since it's the middle of winter, we are still over a month away from the first pitch of Spring Training and more than two months from Opening Day.
But honestly, even though there isn't a game on the TV, the conversation about who's pitching for Red Sox today is actually more intense right now than it was back in July. Why? Because the Red Sox just fundamentally rebuilt their entire pitching staff in the last 72 hours.
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The Rotation Shakeup: Who You’ll Actually See in March
If you haven't been refreshing your feed, the Red Sox just made a massive splash. On Wednesday, they reportedly locked up left-hander Ranger Suárez to a five-year, $130 million deal. It’s the kind of move fans have been screaming for—a legit, proven starter who can actually eat innings without giving everyone in the bleachers a heart attack.
With Suárez in the mix, the 2026 rotation is looking... surprisingly decent? Here is the projected vibe of the starting five as of right now:
- Garrett Crochet: The undisputed ace. Coming off an 18-win season with a 2.59 ERA, he’s the guy you want on the mound for Opening Day.
- Ranger Suárez: The new guy. He brings that 3.38 career ERA and a lot of veteran stability.
- Sonny Gray: Acquired via trade earlier this winter. He’s the wily veteran who knows how to navigate the AL East.
- Brayan Bello: Our homegrown talent. He’s still young, but the potential is there if he can keep the sinker down.
- Johan Oviedo: Another trade acquisition. He’s got high-upside stuff and provides a solid bridge to the bullpen.
It’s weird to say, but for the first time in a while, the Sox actually have "too many" starters. Guys like Kutter Crawford and Kyle Harrison are currently fighting for spots, which is a great problem to have.
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Why Nobody is on the Mound Today
MLB is currently in the offseason dead zone. The 2026 regular season doesn't officially kick off until March 26, 2026, when the Red Sox travel to Cincinnati to face the Reds.
If you're looking for the very first time a Red Sox pitcher will face a live batter in 2026, mark your calendar for February 20. That’s the annual exhibition game against Northeastern University at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. It’s usually a relaxed affair where you see a lot of minor league invitees and maybe one inning from a projected starter.
After that, the "real" Spring Training games start on February 22 against the Blue Jays.
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The Pitching Factory and the "Breslow Way"
There's been a lot of talk lately about Craig Breslow’s "pitching factory." Last year, we saw a lot of guys like Lucas Giolito find their groove again in Boston (before Giolito hit free agency this winter). The strategy seems to be: buy high-spin guys, fix their sweepers, and hope the defense behind them holds up.
One thing most people get wrong about the Red Sox pitching situation is thinking it’s just about the starters. The bullpen is undergoing a massive facelift too. We’ve got Aroldis Chapman in the mix now, and rumors are swirling that Tanner Houck might finally be moving to a permanent high-leverage relief role. Honestly, Houck as a closer in 2026 or 2027 sounds like a much better use of his stuff than trying to force him through a lineup three times.
What to Watch for in the Next Few Weeks
Since you can't watch a game today, what should you actually be looking for? The roster isn't set in stone.
- Trade Rumors: With Ranger Suárez signed, names like Kutter Crawford or Patrick Sandoval are suddenly very attractive trade bait. The Red Sox still need another middle-infield bat after losing out on the Alex Bregman sweepstakes, so don't be surprised if a pitcher is moved to fill that hole.
- Health Updates: Keep an eye on Dustin May. He’s been on the comeback trail from injury, and if he’s healthy by Spring Training, he’s a massive wild card for this rotation.
- Non-Roster Invitees: The Sox just invited guys like Devin Sweet and Hobie Harris to camp. These are the guys who end up being the "random reliever of the month" in June when the injuries start piling up.
Actionable Insights for Red Sox Fans
Since there’s no game today, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 season:
- Check the Spring Training Schedule: If you’re planning a trip to Florida, tickets for JetBlue Park are already on sale. The home opener is Feb 20 against Northeastern.
- Monitor the 40-Man Roster: The team is currently at a bit of a crunch. Every time they sign a new veteran, someone like Josh Winckowski or a younger prospect has to be designated for assignment.
- Follow the "Stuff+" Metrics: If you’re a nerd for the data, look up the FanGraphs projections for the new additions like Oviedo and Suárez. The Red Sox are clearly betting on "pitch design" over raw velocity this year.
The hunt for who's pitching for Red Sox today might come up empty for now, but the rotation being built behind the scenes is the most promising one we've seen in the Fenway dugout in half a decade. Grab a coffee, wait for the snow to melt, and get ready for a very different-looking pitching staff come March.