That trio includes both Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, who can't ink a deal until the new international amateur free-agent signing window opens on Jan. 15, and fellow right-hander Jack Flaherty, whose recent volatility warrants some skepticism.

Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is in the middle of his second offseason in charge of the Boston Red Sox. He’s been more aggressive with this crop of available players, highlighted by the acquisition of two starting pitchers.