Boston Red Sox
Another team with rotation issues, the Boston Red Sox would be a sensible landing spot for Aaron Nola next season.
Boston is trotting out Corey Kluber on Opening Day this year, which would’ve been something to behold in 2017, but not so much in 2023. Behind Kluber is oft-injured former ace Chris Sale, Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford and Nick Pivetta, with prospect Brayan Bello serving as depth.
There’s just not a lot to like about the Red Sox’ starting staff in 2023. Aaron Nola by himself couldn’t alleviate their problems, but he’d be a great start towards a solution to them.
And despite how the Xander Bogaerts situation played out this winter, and Mookie Betts before him, the Red Sox do have money, as evidenced by the Rafael Devers extension and the signing of Masataka Yoshida from Japan. The question is will they spend it wisely next time around, like on Aaron Nola?
Minnesota Twins
This team is constantly looking for starting rotation upgrades, it seems.
Between the Pablo Lopez trade this offseason, dealing for Tyler Mahle at last summer’s deadline and Sonny Gray the winter before that, the Twins never seem to be satisfied with their starting five. Perhaps that’s because they’re missing a true ace.
Aaron Nola could help with that.
The Twins came out of the woodwork to re-sign star shortstop Carlos Correa this winter in a shocking development, which ultimately proved that Minnesota has the money to spend when it wants to. And with an ace pitcher in Nola likely to hit the open market next winter, the fit is there from a positional standpoint. This is the type of starter the Twins need to finally get over the top in the AL Central.