The Red Sox need an ace-caliber starting pitcher.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield believes Boston could land that critical piece via free agency, where multiple top-tier starters are available this MLB offseason.

ESPN.com published a piece Wednesday in which Schoenfield predicted “one big move” for all 30 MLB teams. His prediction for the Red Sox: Signing left-hander Max Fried to a six-year, $175 million contract.

“The rotation was solid enough in 2024, ranking seventh in the majors in ERA, but Tanner Houck was the only regular with an ERA under 4.00 and Nick Pivetta is a free agent,” Schoenfield wrote. “None of their starters are left-handed, however, and Fried is a good fit for Fenway Park since he induces grounders so often.”

There were a few self-imposed guidelines for the exercise — a player can only sign once, each team only can be used for one big move and free agents can’t re-sign with their most recent club — but Schoenfield zeroed in on Boston’s rotation. That’s the Red Sox’s most glaring weakness ahead of the 2025 season, with the bullpen also an area of need.

Of course, the Red Sox could really make a splash by signing outfielder Juan Soto, a legitimate superstar and one of the most coveted free agents ever. Schoenfield predicted Soto will land elsewhere, though, leaving Boston to focus on bolstering its pitching staff.