This article was adapted from Ian Browne’s Red Sox Beat newsletter. To read the complete newsletter, click here. Additionally, subscribe to receive it directly in your inbox.
Following a .500 season that resulted in the Red Sox missing the postseason for the third consecutive year, numerous questions loom for the team as it heads into the offseason.
Here are five of the most pressing inquiries.
Tanner Houck looked like an All-Star early in the season but struggled in the latter half. Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford also showcased their potential. Each of these homegrown talents made at least 30 starts and set personal bests in innings pitched. However, can any of them be considered true aces? Likely not.
The Red Sox would greatly benefit from acquiring a proven star to lead their rotation. During their end-of-season press conference, club president and CEO Sam Kennedy, along with chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, indicated a more aggressive approach to addressing outside needs this winter compared to previous years. Acquiring an ace could significantly bolster the confidence of the team.
How can the defense be improved?
Over the past two seasons, the Red Sox have ranked among the worst defensive teams in baseball, particularly in the infield. It will be intriguing to see how they plan to rectify this issue.
A swift remedy would be for shortstop Trevor Story to remain healthy throughout the season, but this alone won’t fully resolve the concerns. The team also requires consistency at second base. Could Rafael Devers potentially shift away from third base to enhance his durability? Should Devers transition from third, it may necessitate the trade of either first baseman Triston Casas or designated hitter Masataka Yoshida.
Can the lineup achieve better balance?
The Red Sox lineup skews heavily to the left in terms of position players. They need to acquire some right-handed hitters capable of utilizing the Green Monster effectively. Tyler O’Neill has demonstrated such ability but is set to enter free agency. The Red Sox will likely explore the possibility of re-signing O’Neill; however, his agent, Scott Boras, is not known for making swift offseason decisions. If O’Neill departs, expect the Red Sox to pursue two right-handed bats; if he stays, they may opt to add one.
Is Roman Anthony prepared to join the team on Opening Day?
According to MLB Pipeline’s updated rankings, Anthony has risen to the No. 3 prospect in MLB and is now Boston’s top prospect, surpassing Marcelo Mayer.
This left-handed hitter, known for his smooth swing, posted a .982 OPS in 131 at-bats after his promotion to Triple-A Worcester. Does he have anything left to prove at that level? If Anthony makes the roster for the Red Sox, what implications will that have for the rest of the outfield, including left-handed-hitting Wilyer Abreu? Breslow has several factors to weigh in the upcoming weeks.
Will Garrett Whitlock transition back to the bullpen?
Having missed the entire 2024 season due to right elbow surgery, Lucas Giolito is likely to exercise his player option, joining Houck, Bello, and Crawford in the rotation. His veteran experience will be crucial, especially if Nick Pivetta does not return via free agency. If the Red Sox do add a starter, as discussed earlier, what will that mean for Whitlock, who is also recovering from right elbow surgery?
The prevailing guess is that Whitlock will return to the bullpen, which could help alleviate some of the durability issues he has faced in recent years. During interviews at the close of the season, Whitlock expressed a willingness to follow any plan the medical team recommends to ensure his health.
With both veterans Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin due to hit free agency, the bullpen is expected to see several new additions. Having Whitlock back in the mix alongside fellow Rule 5 draftee Justin Slaten would help maintain continuity.
Five Key Questions Facing the Red Sox This Offseason
1. How Will the Red Sox Address Their Starting Pitching Needs?
The Boston Red Sox have struggled with their starting rotation in recent seasons, and the upcoming offseason presents a critical opportunity to strengthen this area. The team’s management must consider:
- Acquiring an Ace: The Red Sox should prioritize signing a front-line starting pitcher to stabilize their rotation. Targeting high-caliber free agents could significantly improve their chances next season.
- Depth Signings: Beyond finding an ace, adding more depth to the rotation is crucial. The team needs reliable options that can step up when injuries occur.
- Homegrown Talent: Evaluating the potential of their minor league pitchers is essential. Investing in young prospects can provide the team with cost-effective solutions and long-term benefits.
2. What Will Happen to Key Free Agents?
As the offseason approaches, the Red Sox face the dilemma of several key free agents. The team’s decisions will heavily impact their competitive edge moving forward:
- Retaining Key Players: The Red Sox must assess whether to re-sign pivotal players who contributed to their performance last season.
- Targeting Replacement Options: If they decide to let some players go, exploring trade options or free agents to fill those gaps will be vital.
- Managing Payroll: Balancing the budget while making impactful signings is crucial. The team needs to ensure they’re not overspending on players who may not deliver expected results.
3. Can the Red Sox Pursue Big Names Like Juan Soto?
Rumors suggest that the Red Sox may be interested in acquiring superstar Juan Soto. Evaluating this potential move involves:
- Trade Considerations: What assets will the Red Sox need to give up to secure Soto? The team’s management will have to weigh the immediate benefits against the long-term implications.
- Financial Viability: Soto’s contract demands must align with the Red Sox’s budget. Understanding their financial flexibility will be essential in pursuing high-profile players.
- Team Chemistry: Integrating a superstar into the roster can disrupt existing team dynamics. Ensuring that Soto fits well with the current players is vital for long-term success.
4. How Will the Bullpen Be Reinforced?
The Red Sox’s bullpen has faced challenges, particularly in high-pressure situations. Improving this unit is necessary to compete effectively in the league.
- Identifying Bullpen Arms: The team should explore the free-agent market for relievers who can provide consistent performances under pressure.
- Developing Young Talent: The possibility of developing young pitchers within the organization who can contribute to the bullpen should not be overlooked.
- Monitoring Performance: Analyzing last season’s bullpen performance metrics can help identify specific areas needing improvement, guiding their search for new talent.
5. What Strategies Will Be Implemented for Long-term Success?
While focusing on immediate improvements is essential, the Red Sox should also plan for sustained success. Key strategies include:
- Investing in Farm System: Strengthening their minor league system can provide a pipeline of talent for the future, ensuring the team remains competitive.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing analytics to inform player acquisitions and game strategies will enhance performance at all levels.
- Building a Collaborative Culture: Fostering a positive environment that encourages teamwork and player development will be critical for long-term success.
Benefits of a Strong Offseason Strategy
Having a well-defined offseason strategy can lead to numerous benefits for the Red Sox:
- Enhanced Team Performance: By addressing weaknesses through strategic signings and trades, the overall team performance can improve significantly.
- Increased Fan Engagement: Success in the offseason can generate excitement among fans and rejuvenate interest in the upcoming season.
- Financial Stability: Smart investments in players can lead to better returns, allowing the team to remain competitive without compromising financial health.
Table: Key Free Agents to Consider
| Player | Position | Projected Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Juan Soto | Outfielder | $300 million |
| Max Scherzer | Starting Pitcher | $40 million/year |
| Craig Kimbrel | Relief Pitcher | $10 million/year |
Practical Tips for Red Sox Management
To effectively navigate the offseason, the Red Sox management can consider these practical tips:
- Engage with Fans: Keeping communication open with the fanbase can build trust and excitement about the team’s direction.
- Scout International Talent: Exploring international markets can uncover hidden gems that may not be on the radar of other teams.
- Utilize Technology: Incorporating new technologies for player performance analysis can lead to smarter player acquisitions.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Experts
Consulting with veteran scouts and analysts can provide valuable insights into potential player acquisitions and strategies. Their experiences can guide decision-making processes:
- Scouting Reports: Detailed scouting reports can highlight strengths and weaknesses of potential targets.
- Historical Data: Analyzing past performances can help in identifying which players are likely to thrive in the Boston environment.
