The Boston Red Sox may miss out on one of their top choices in free agency.

Boston — like many other clubs this offseason — is looking to drastically improve its starting rotation. The Red Sox have been mentioned as a club looking to add two top-tier hurlers and have been linked to Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola. While there has been much speculation that Nola would be on the move, it’s reportedly growing more likely that he returns to Philadelphia, according to USA Today Sports’ Bob Nightengale.

“The Phillies’ contract talks with Aaron Nola have gained significant momentum in the past few days and there’s strong optimism that they’ll reach an agreement before the winter meetings,” Nightengale said. “Nola originally was seeking a seven-year, $210 million contract, while the Phillies were countering with a six-year deal for about $150 million. They are getting close to finding a middle ground with Nola making it clear to Phillies’ management that he wants to stay put.”

Nola is one of the top starting pitchers available in free agency. He has been one of the most dependable right-handed starters in the National League since debuting in 2015 and is in line for a massive contract. He is just 30 years old and although he had a down year in 2023, he was dominant in the postseason.

Boston needs to add multiple starters this offseason but it sounds like Nola may not end up being an option. There are other players available like Minnesota Twins hurler Sonny Gray, Orix Buffaloes phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto, or Texas Rangers lefty Jordan Montgomery. Boston will need to open up the checkbook if it wants to improve the rotation.