The Boston Red Sox have certainly made waves this offseason, particularly when it comes to their pitching staff. The team has been very active in revamping their rotation and bullpen, signaling their commitment to strengthening their pitching depth in the wake of a middling 2024 season.
First, they made a major move by acquiring Garrett Crochet, an ace-caliber pitcher, in a trade with the Chicago White Sox. Crochet’s presence immediately bolsters the Red Sox’s starting rotation, providing them with a dynamic left-handed arm that can be a key contributor for years to come. Additionally, the signing of two-time All-Star Walker Buehler is another significant acquisition. Buehler, who is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected to return midseason, adding an extra layer of excitement and potential to the rotation. Patrick Sandoval, also a new addition, will add further depth, and although he’s recovering from Tommy John surgery, he’s another intriguing arm that could contribute down the stretch.
The bullpen didn’t escape the overhaul either, as the Red Sox made a couple of big moves to strengthen this area. The team signed two veteran left-handers, Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson. Chapman, known for his electric fastball and high strikeout rates, will give the Red Sox a late-inning weapon to close out games. Wilson, meanwhile, brings stability and experience, rounding out a more formidable bullpen that should make a significant difference in tight ballgames.
However, while the Red Sox have certainly bolstered their pitching, their efforts to strengthen the offense have been relatively quiet. The team made a major push to add superstar Juan Soto, but the outfielder turned down their offer. The loss of Soto stung, as he’s one of the premier bats in baseball. Furthermore, outfielder Tyler O’Neill, who had a breakout season with 31 home runs for the Sox in 2024, left for the Baltimore Orioles, leaving a noticeable gap in their lineup.
Despite solid offensive production in 2024, with the Red Sox finishing seventh in MLB OPS (.742), ninth in runs scored (751), and home runs (194), the fans have been vocal in their desire for more offensive firepower. Given these statistics, it’s clear that while the Red Sox offense wasn’t among the worst, there’s still room for improvement, especially when it comes to adding another impactful bat to the mix.
In an interview with the Fenway Rundown podcast, Craig Breslow, Boston’s Chief Baseball Officer, dropped some subtle hints about what could be on the horizon. While not offering specifics, Breslow’s comments suggest that the Red Sox aren’t done yet and could be working behind the scenes on potential offensive upgrades. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next move to round out the roster and give the team a better chance of contending in a competitive AL East division.
