BREAKING: Red Sox Stun Fans by Replacing Brayan Bello with ‘Perfect Fit’ in Rotation Shake-Up – This Could be More Bad News

The Boston Red Sox still face a number of critical roster decisions ahead of their season opener on March 27, 2025. On March 21, manager Alex Cora made a significant announcement regarding the pitching rotation that could have major implications for the team’s approach this season.

Specifically, the Red Sox have named another star as their No. 4 starter, taking over the role that was previously expected to be filled by Brayan Bello. Bello will begin the season on the injured list as he continues to recover from shoulder soreness sustained during spring training. Fitts had been one of several depth options—alongside Quinn Priester and Sean Newcomb—considered for this spot. His impressive spring training performance, where he posted a 2.45 ERA with 14 strikeouts and six walks over 14.2 innings in the Grapefruit League, earned him the job. Fitts made his major league debut with Boston last season, delivering a stellar 1.74 ERA over 20.2 innings in four starts.

In addition to Fitts’ new assignment, the team revealed that Lucas Giolito will also begin the 2025 season on the injured list. Giolito, who had a hamstring issue during his first spring training start, was slated to pitch in the fifth game of the season in Baltimore, according to Cora’s announcement. That fifth rotation spot remains undecided, with Quinn Priester and Sean Newcomb still in the mix for the role.

Adding to the pitching updates, more troubling news emerged on March 21 regarding ace Garrett Crochet. In a standout performance, Crochet tossed a scoreless outing in the Grapefruit League against the Pirates, which further strengthened the case for an extension. However, as reported by Chris Cotillo of MassLive, it appears unlikely that an extension deal will be finalized before Opening Day. The importance of signing Crochet to a long-term contract is underscored by the significant trade the Red Sox made in December when they acquired him from the White Sox in exchange for four top prospects—a move that was one of the season’s biggest deals, especially in an offseason marked by record-breaking contracts like Juan Soto’s with the Mets.

Crochet had previously indicated that he was open to signing an extension wherever he ended up, but he set a firm deadline of Opening Day for any contract negotiations to be wrapped up. According to Cotillo, there remains a notable discrepancy between Crochet’s asking price and what the Red Sox are prepared to offer, though the precise figures have not been disclosed.

A former reliever who transitioned seamlessly into a starting role, Crochet had an impressive season with Chicago last year, posting a 3.58 ERA with 209 strikeouts over 146 innings. His success carried over into spring training, where he recorded 30 strikeouts while surrendering just one run in 15.2 innings. With only two years left under team control, his market value is expected to rise, making the extension a key factor in the long-term plans of the franchise.

In summary, the Red Sox are navigating a complex offseason with important decisions regarding their pitching staff. Richard Fitts’ promotion to the No. 4 starter and the uncertainty surrounding both Lucas Giolito’s and Garrett Crochet’s statuses highlight the challenges Boston faces as they prepare for the 2025 season. The outcome of these contract negotiations and roster moves could significantly influence the team’s performance in the coming year.