The Boston Red Sox are quietly being active this offseason. However, it’s hard to understand what their end strategy is. On one hand, they desperately need a starting pitcher, at the same time, they’ve just traded Chris Sale. With the Red Sox already signing Lucas Giolito for two years, this trade of Sale has emptied a spot in their lineup. Could the BoSox write another chapter on their rivalry with the New York Yankees by going after their biggest targets – Jordan Montgomery and Shota Imanaga? 

With just 78 wins, the Red Sox finished last in the AL East last season. Their biggest issue? Subpar pitching. As a result, it has always been expected that the Sox would focus on pitchers this offseason. Though they were in the Yoshinobu Yamamoto race, they weren’t a serious contender. Now it looks like the team might try to insert themselves in the Yankees’ quest for a pitcher. Fansided.com posted the pitchers that the Red Sox can go for after trading Chris to the Atlanta Braves for infielder Vaughn Grissom. But through all of this, interestingly alarm bells are ringing in the Bronx Faithful’s minds.

The latest news from the Boston Red Sox might be a cause for concern for the New York Yankees

The first is Jordan Montgomery – the well-loved ex-member of the Yankees clubhouse. The Red Sox have been connected to him since the beginning. Especially after Monty has spent his entire offseason in Boston to live with his wife. It would certainly be interesting if the Sox won the Monty race against the Yankees. With both teams hungry for a quality starter, an in-form and improved Montgomery would fill their craving.

But Monty isn’t the only one as the other name for Shota Imanaga, the 30-year-old Samurai Japan ace. Imanaga possesses an extraordinary type of pitch. The ace could be the perfect signing for the Red Sox as he will not be as expensive as Montgomery and is a year younger than him. The Yankees are currently the favorites in the Imanaga race, but the entry of the Red Sox can change things up. But there’s one more player that the Red Sox can go for.

Watch This Story: Yankees Secure A Special Gift As The Japanese Ace Makes His Way To Be A Free Agent

Arguably the biggest pitching free agent currently in the market, Blake Snell remains the only proper ace in the market. At times, his command issues restrict how deep he can go in a game, placing a burden on the bullpen. Nevertheless, when he’s in top form, he becomes virtually untouchable. Having traded away Chris Sale’s potential, the Red Sox now rely on Blake Snell’s upside to guide them.

As the Yankees aren’t in competition here, things could even be easier for the Red Sox. It has been a while since the Red Sox made a big free-agent signing. With the team focusing more on trades and short-term additions, if they want to compete, it seems the strategy of the Red Sox will have to change. But are they ready to do it?

Read more: New York Yankees’ Pitching Emergency Continues: As the New Year Approaches, Bronx Bombers Need a Big Move