The Boston Red Sox, who haven’t made the postseason since 2021, are gearing up for a crucial offseason after falling short of expectations again in 2024. Despite showing promise in the first half of the season, a brutal collapse saw them miss out on October baseball for the third consecutive year. However, the Red Sox have already begun making moves to reshape their roster for a postseason run in 2025.
With money to spend and an increasingly restless fanbase, here are the top three free agent moves the Red Sox have confirmed to strengthen their bullpen and overall roster ahead of next season.
1. Sign a Top Starting Pitcher
A key area the Red Sox are focused on is adding a top-level starting pitcher to anchor the rotation. The market this offseason is robust, featuring stars like Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, Max Fried, and Jack Flaherty. While Burnes and Snell are expected to command high salaries, there are concerns about consistency and durability. Snell struggled in the first half of 2024 before turning things around, while Burnes has seen his strikeout rate decline in recent years.
Instead, the Red Sox are eyeing more realistic options such as Max Fried, who quietly had a stellar season with a 3.25 ERA, or Jack Flaherty, who had a bounce-back campaign with a 3.17 ERA. Both pitchers offer solid, dependable options without the high-risk price tags of some top-tier free agents.
2. Bolster the Bullpen
The bullpen’s collapse was one of the biggest reasons the Red Sox failed to reach the postseason in 2024. With an MLB-worst 5.45 ERA and 18 blown saves after the All-Star break, addressing relief pitching is crucial. With closer Kenley Jansen likely to leave in free agency, the Red Sox need top-end relief talent to stabilize the bullpen.
One name to watch is San Diego Padres reliever Tanner Scott, who played a key role for the Padres after being acquired from Miami. Scott is expected to seek a closer’s salary, something the Red Sox may be able to offer. Another possible target is Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams, who could be available via trade if the Brewers don’t extend his contract before it expires.
3. Trade an Outfielder for Pitching
The Red Sox currently boast one of the deepest outfields in baseball, with players like Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Rob Refsnyder, and Ceddanne Rafaela all contributing at a high level. Additionally, designated hitter Masataka Yoshida can also play in left field. With so many options, it makes sense for the Red Sox to explore trading one of their outfielders for pitching.
Wilyer Abreu, who hit .253 with 15 home runs as a rookie, could be the odd man out due to the depth of talent at the position. Abreu, with his strong trade value, could bring in a high-level starting pitcher if the Red Sox choose to make a move. One potential trade partner is the Seattle Mariners, who are in need of offensive firepower and have plenty of quality pitching to offer in return.
By addressing these key areas, the Red Sox hope to return to postseason contention in 2025 and make a deep run in October.
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