Back in April it looked like the Red Sox had left themselves with an enviable problem. After struggling to get through the 2024 season because they just did not have enough quality starting pitching on hand, Boston opened 2025 with the additions of ace Garrett Crochet and former All-Star Walker Buehler, as well as the return of Lucas Giolito to the rotation.
The Red Sox beefed up the back end of the rotation, too, and in early April, the team decided to trade away pitcher Quinn Priester to the Brewers, figuring there was no path to consistent starts for him with the current staff. Priester had been a favorite of team president Craig Breslow, and was acquired in a trade at last year’s deadline.
We know what’s happened from there in Boston. Tanner Houck and Kutter Crawford have both been out for the bulk of the season, and Crawford is likely done for the year. Buehler, meanwhile, has struggled badly and might lose his place in the rotation–if the Red Sox had a good candidate to claim the spot.
Priester would have, sadly, been a good candidate.
Red Sox Missed the Mark on Quinn Priester
Indeed, Boston could use Priester. And on Saturday, he really showed why, posting a brilliant showing against the Rockies over 7.0 innings, allowing just two walks and one hit, striking out 11. Yes, it was the Rockies, but that win ran Priester’s record to 6-2 with a 3.35 ERA. He is now 5-0 in his last seven starts, with wins over teams like the Reds, Cardinals and Phillies, and a 2.06 ERA in that stretch.
Priester credited the Brewers coaching staff with a change of approach that has unlocked the potential he showed when he was the No. 18 overall pick of the Pirates. That’s got to make Red Sox fans develop a lump in their collective throat.
âEarlier in my career, it was really hard to believe that because the results didnât change,â Priester said. âYou saw the stuff was there, but now, really seeing the results — which is obviously the most important — being consistent, itâs very easy to trust the process that weâve developed over the past two months.â
The Red Sox did get two players in return for Priester, though neither is remotely close to breaking in at Fenway. Outfielder Yophery Rodriguez is just 19, and is said to have promise, but so far is hitting .191 in Single-A Greenville. There’s also 22-year-old pitcher John Holobetz, who is 3-2 with a 3.14 ERA in eight Single-A appearances.
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