It is January 16, 2026. If you’re asking whos pitching for the Red Sox today, you won’t find a box score or a live stream on NESN. Why? Because the ground in Boston is likely frozen, and the actual "today" is deep in the MLB offseason. There are no games happening. No one is taking the mound at Fenway Park right now unless they're shoveling snow.
But honestly, the answer to who will be pitching for this team in a few months just got a massive, $130 million update.
If you haven't been glued to the transaction wire, the Red Sox just landed their biggest fish of the winter. Two days ago, on January 14, 2026, the front office finally opened the checkbook and signed left-hander Ranger Suárez to a five-year deal. It’s a huge move that fundamentally changes the answer to who you’ll see starting games come April.
The Current Red Sox Rotation Depth Chart
Since it’s the middle of January, "pitching today" really means "who is on the roster today." Craig Breslow has been busy. Forget the frustration of losing Alex Bregman to the Cubs; the focus has shifted entirely to the mound.
Here is how the starting rotation is shaping up as of this morning:
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- Garrett Crochet (LHP): The undisputed ace. Coming off an 18-5 season with a 2.59 ERA, he’s the guy who will get the ball on Opening Day.
- Ranger Suárez (LHP): The brand-new $130 million man. He’s coming over from Philly with a reputation for being a postseason monster. He had a 3.20 ERA last year and is basically a master at making hitters look silly without needing 100 mph gas.
- Sonny Gray (RHP): Acquired in a trade with the Cardinals back in November. He’s the veteran presence this group desperately lacked last year.
- Brayan Bello (RHP): The homegrown talent. He’s still the future, but with Suárez and Gray in the mix, there’s way less pressure on him to carry the staff.
- Johan Oviedo (RHP): Another trade acquisition (from the Pirates). He’s the wildcard coming back from injury but looks slated for the back end of the rotation.
Why the Ranger Suárez signing matters right now
The timing of this is everything. Fans were starting to get really restless because the team hadn't made a "splash" in free agency. Signing Suárez isn't just about adding a 3.20 ERA arm; it’s about the philosophy. It’s the first major league contract the Red Sox signed this offseason, and it happened just as people were starting to compare the front office to a budget-store clearance rack.
Suárez is 30. He doesn't have an opt-out. He doesn't have deferrals. It's a straight-up bet that his command and "mixer" of pitches will translate to the AL East. He’s basically the anti-power pitcher, relying on movement and keeping guys off-balance. In a division with the Yankees and Orioles, that kind of variety is survival.
What about the young guys and the bullpen?
You've probably heard the names Payton Tolle and Connelly Early. They are the two "super prospects" everyone is hyping up for 2026. Tolle is a massive lefty who can hit 101 mph. He got a cup of coffee in the big leagues late last year, and while his ERA was a bit ugly (6.06), the "stuff" is elite.
Then there’s the bullpen. Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock are still the anchors there. The team has been quietly stockpiling minor league arms like T.J. Sikkema and Ryan Watson to provide depth, but the high-leverage roles are pretty much set.
When will we actually see them pitch?
If you’re itching to see these guys in action, mark your calendar for February 10, 2026. That’s when pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers.
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The first time someone will actually be pitching for the Red Sox in a game-like setting is February 20, 2026, against Northeastern University. It’s a Boston tradition. After that, the Grapefruit League starts for real on February 21 against the Twins.
Actionable insights for Red Sox fans:
- Check the Health of Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford: Both are coming off injuries (elbow surgery for Houck, knee issues for Crawford). Their availability in Spring Training will determine if the Sox trade away some of their newly acquired "depth."
- Monitor the 40-man Roster: To make room for Suárez, the team had to shuffle. Keep an eye on guys like Cooper Criswell or Isaiah Campbell, who might be the "odd men out."
- Spring Training Tickets: They officially went on sale earlier this month. If you’re planning a trip to JetBlue Park, the night games (March 3 vs. Team Puerto Rico and March 19 vs. the Twins) usually sell out first.
- Opening Day Countdown: Opening Day is March 26, 2026, in Cincinnati.
The rotation is arguably the best it has been in half a decade. While no one is pitching a regular-season game today, the pieces are finally on the board.
Next Steps:
To prepare for the 2026 season, you should verify your NESN or MLB.TV subscription status, as the broadcast landscape has shifted slightly this year. Additionally, keep an eye on the waiver wire between now and February 10, as Craig Breslow has hinted at one more "significant" move to bolster the infield defense behind this new-look pitching staff.