The free-agent pitching market is heating up, and all eyes are on the Red Sox, who’ve already been on the hot seat for almost two months after chairman Tom Werner promoised a “full throttle” offseason.

There’s mutual interest in a reunion with James Paxton, who was arguably Boston’s best starter from his season debut in early May until the the All-Star break, even earning American League Player of the Month honors in June. Yet the veteran left-hander’s lengthy injury history, which includes missing the entire ’22 Red Sox season and nearly two months of ’23 (between his late debut and season-ending injured list stint at the start of September) is cause for concern. Signings such as Paxton’s are one of the key reasons the Red Sox finished last three times in the past four seasons. They need durability from their starting rotation, and Paxton, who only pitched 21 2/3 innings between the ’20 and ’21 seasons, hasn’t been able to offer a team that in nearly half a decade.

The Red Sox need to sign two starters, but after losing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, are apparently pivoting to scrimping despite their ample financial flexibility. They’ve been linked to several unfamiliar arms, including Jordan Montgomery. Fresh off a World Series championship with the Rangers, Montgomery is wintering in Boston while his wife, a doctor, does her residency at a local hospital, but apparently, his asking price is too high for the Red Sox. They were “interested” in Blake Snell, but as reigning National League Cy Young – and only the seventh pitcher in MLB history to win the prestigious award in each league – he’s also likely out of their price range. They are also engaging with Lucas Giolito, but his upside is intriguing to several teams.

Secret Santa

After signing his historic $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani played Secret Santa to thank a new teammate’s wife.

Earlier this week, Ashley Kelly, wife of former Red Sox reliever Joe Kelly, opened her front door to find a brand-new Porsche from Ohtani.

“That’s yours from Shohei,” the delivery man said. “He wanted to gift you a Porsche.”

The generous surprise was Ohtani’s way of thanking her for her “#Ohtake17” social media campaign, which went viral earlier in the offseason. Joe Kelly previously wore No. 17, but his wife shared on Instagram that she’d be willing to give Ohtani all of their numbered gear. They’d even change their baby’s name from “Kai” to “ShoKai,” she said.

What’s the catch?

Despite a close relationship with Alex Cora, Martín Maldonado will be wearing different color socks next season. The veteran catcher is “close to an agreement” with the Chicago White Sox, reports MLB insider Robert Murray.

The 37-year-old’s contract is for one year with an option for 2025. He spent the last four-and-a-half seasons with the Houston Astros, who replaced him with Víctor Caratini (two-year deal) earlier this month.

While Maldonado would’ve offered defensive excellence behind the dish, the Red Sox can do without him. Connor Wong and Reese McGuire have split catching duties well, and 2023 first-round pick Kyle Teel is already rising rapidly through the farm system.