Former GM Reveals Red Sox’s Biggest Offseason Needs And Goals
The MLB offseason is officially underway, and the Boston Red Sox have some work to do if they want to return to the playoffs in 2026. While much of their team is set to return next year, Alex Bregman is a free agent and they still have some holes to fill.
In his column for The Athletic on Wednesday, former GM Jim Bowden identified the biggest offseason needs and goals for all 30 MLB teams this winter. For the Red Sox, he wrote their biggest needs are a starting pitcher and a corner infielder.
Bowden writes that Boston’s top priority is starting pitching, which tracks with everything the team has said publicly this offseason. The Red Sox are believed to be in the market for another big-name starting pitcher to pair with Garrett Crochet at the top of the rotation, especially if they can trade some of their prospects for someone like Joe Ryan or Hunter Greene.
“The Red Sox are focused on adding starting pitching, and they have plenty of prospects in their strong farm system to perhaps trade for top arms like Tarik Skubal, Hunter Greene or Freddy Peralta. They also have the financial freedom to land one of the top starters in free agency, though trading for a top-tier starter is their preferred route,” Bowden writes.
While Boston is considered a strong fit for Bregman and a favorite to re-sign him, the team will need to pivot if he leaves, likely to an internal option like Marcelo Mayer.
“The Red Sox loved their time with Alex Bregman and appreciated all he did on and off the field. That said, I’m not sure they’ll be willing to commit to Bregman on a long-term contract at his market price. If they don’t, expect them to let rookie Marcelo Mayer take over at third base with Trevor Story staying at shortstop,” Bowden continues.
Mayer is coming off an injury-shortened rookie season, however, and remains relatively unproven. First baseman Triston Casas is also a question mark coming off another injury-marred campaign, so Boston could look to upgrade there with someone like Pete Alonso.
“If they lose out on Bregman, then their next need to fill will be a corner infielder,” Bowden adds. “They would most likely seek a first baseman with Triston Casas coming off another injury-shortened season, as they have Mayer ready to play third, although Mayer also missed significant time this year with injury and an upgrade at third base is not out of the question.”
The offseason has only just begun, so the Red Sox have plenty of time to figure things out and improve their roster for next year.