Despite end-of-season promises of a "full-throttle" approach to the 2023-24 offseason, things were fairly quiet for the Red Sox during their first year under new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow's guidance as the club prioritized short-term commitments in free agency and on the trade market without making a major splash. That led to another disappointing season at Fenway where the club posted a lackluster 81-81 record that landed them third place in the AL East and four games out of an AL Wild Card spot. After a season that saw a number of youngsters take steps forward and with more prospect talent nearing the majors, Breslow's second winter at the helm figures to be more active than his first.
Guaranteed Contracts
- Rafael Devers, 3B: $284MM through 2033
- Trevor Story, SS: $77.5MM through 2027 (includes $5MM buyout on 2028 club option)
- Masataka Yoshida, DH: $55.8MM through 2027
- Brayan Bello, SP: $53.33MM through 2029 (includes $1MM buyout on 2030 club option)
- Ceddanne Rafaela, CF/SS: $48.75MM through 2031 (includes $4MM buyout on 2032 club option)
- Liam Hendriks, RP: $8MM through 2025 (includes $2MM buyout on $12MM mutual option)
- Garrett Whitlock, SP/RP: $14MM through 2026 (includes $1MM buyout on 2027 club option; additional club option for '28)
Option Decisions
- Lucas Giolito, SP: Exercised $19MM player option
- Rob Refsnyder, OF: Team holds $2.1MM club option with $150K buyout
2025 financial commitments: $105.93MM
Total long-term financial commitments: $562.79MM
Arbitration-Eligible Players (projected salaries via MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz)
- Tanner Houck (3.100): $4.5MM
- Jarren Duran (2.155): $4.9MM
- Kutter Crawford (2.136): $3.5MM
Non-tender candidates: None
Free Agents
Disappointing as the 2024 season was for the Red Sox in terms of their record, one major silver lining for the club this winter is that the majority of their key contributors remain under long-term team control, meaning they'll be able to focus more on upgrading the roster than patching holes created by departing veterans. In particular, they're extremely well set-up in the outfield with Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela all currently locked in at the major league level, not to mention the presence of Masataka Yoshida and (assuming his club option is picked up as expected) Rob Refsnyder.
With top prospect Roman Anthony knocking on the door of the majors and even getting some buzz as Baseball America's #1 prospect, the Red Sox remain flush in outfield talent even as they watch Tyler O'Neill and his 30-homer power depart for free agency. Of course, that's not to say O'Neill's bat won't be sorely missed in the Red Sox lineup. As a team, their 104 wRC+ was a hair above average, placing them in a three-way tie with the Brewers and Mariners for the tenth-best figure in the majors. While that's certainly a respectable number, even a prospect as talented as Anthony can't be expected to seamlessly replace the 131 wRC+ O'Neill provided to the club in a resurgent 2024 season.
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Focus on solutions. Burnes should be priority #1. The Sox sorely lack an ace, and someone like Burnes only comes along once in a great while. Sign him for what it costs because you can afford it, and then trade from your outfield depth, perhaps Abreu for Sonny Gray (and salary).
Sonny Gray in Fenway is a terrible idea as is for the most part throwing a lot of money at pitchers over the age of 30. The sox would be better served using that outfield depth to acquire a younger pitcher and perhaps saving money to throw at Sasaki whenever he becomes available.
if sasaki comes, there is undoubtedly going to be TJ within the first or second season. He throws very hard and he’s not much of an innings eater. His max is 129.1IP. Would like to watch him but I foresee agony waiting for him to pitch
I’m not ready to say he’s an injury waiting to happen and with seeing him pitch on a regular basis it’d be very hard to say he’s on his way to a Tommy John operation. regardless I’d take my chances on a 23 year old entering his prime as compared to a 30 year old commanding a similar salary.
Unless trading Duran their other OFs are not going to fetch a proven younger pitcher on their own. WAbreu could be worth dealing along with a good minor leaguer for a decent arm. I say go big by going after Crochet and include one of the top 4 prospects with Abreu and another young player in a multi player deal…
I agree with Aacell10. Burnes just turned 30 and will be looking for, and likely get, a 7 year deal. Pay play3rs for what they will do, not what they did in the past. Leave that to the Mets.
Trade youth for youth, use FA as disposable fill-ins until the next youth wave appears from the farm.
I say hard No on Burnes. Look at his peripheral numbers…trending down every year. (Like K%) Also 30 years old and hasn’t had a major arm surgery yet. You almost have to assume he will miss 1.5 years at some point with arm trouble. I wouldn’t sign any free agent pitcher longer than 3 seasons.
Ig, that’s my take also. Burnes is going to be laid up at some point and probably soon. Sad how MLB pitching has come to this. Whoever signs Burnes to six years only to lose him for 1-1/2 is going to suffer a lot of buyer’s remorse.
Glad to see someone looking at the numbers and not the name. Burnes K9:
13.3
12.6
10.8
9.3
8.4
He’s reduced his walks as well, and is still a good pitcher. But only 6 of the top-30 FIP pitchers had a K9 of lower than 8.0, and Burnes is pretty close to that. I think there is too much a risk of an undisclosed arm injury.
Hopefully we don’t become this revolving door where we shuffle talent around without postseason success
The Red Sox are going to win the East next year.
How?
They are going have the best lineup in baseball with their three elite prospects on the roster.
I don’t think you can reliably say that until the offseason happens.
A lot depends on Juan Soto- where is he going to sign? Him alone can tip the Yankees’ success in any direction.
mets, Yanks and Orioles moving to another division?
The Mets don’t play in their division.
I’d like them to go for Crochet and give him an extension. Then add some like Sonny Gray. Capitalize on some logjams and extra middle infielders so we can get Campbell and Anthony OD spots.
As much as a salary dump Gray will unfairly be, I don’t think you’d have the capital after a Crochet trade. Pitching is in such high demand. I’d love to see both these moves made, but I think it’s overrating our system.
Idk Crochet isn’t as pricey because there is no extension. I figure he’d be for a top 100 prospect with a couple Top 15 org prospects.
What type of deal do you think is necessary for Gray?
Sonny Gray has a NTC and I don’t think he would like playing for Boston. Just my opinion not a fact.
Mock trade
Cardinals get
Mayer
Red Sox get
Helsley
Romero
Luzardo
Bender
Marlins get
Ivan Herrera
Cardinals could add a small amount to the deal if needed.
Oh didn’t know about the NTC. Kinda heavy deal. How much money would the Sox add bring those 4 guys in?
Less than 20 million for those 4 guys. Probably cost 50 or so on the open market. Hey maybe the Red Sox have 50 million to spend this offseason i really dont know.
it’s highly unlikely any of those teams would make that trade. from the sox perspective I don’t they’d want Helsley because he’s in a walk year. Also if the sox do move Mayer (which they shouldn’t) it would be a for number a legit 1/2 not a player like Luzardo with his injury concerns. I’m sure from the Marlins perspective they’d expect more than Ivan Herrera in return for Luzardo.
If the Sox want a closer, Devin (Don’t Call Me Mr. October) Williams might be a better option since it would be for two years. But I still would hate to trade a highly-regarded everyday player for a one-inning pitcher.
Excellent points from both sides on Luzardo. If I were Miami, I’d keep him until the trade deadline, hoping he can finally unlock something to enhance his trade value.
Williams is only for 1 year not 2.
Luzardos value could certainly go up. But if he doesn’t bounce back it will be next to nothing. It’s a risk no right or wrong there.
I apologize re Williams.
The risk associated with Luzardo is why Miami might want to keep him (for now). A lot depends on the Marlins’ timeline for contending. Either way, they should the best return they can get for him.
I am sure for the Sox to get Crochet at least one of their top 4 prospects have to be included in a package. Probably with a proven player plus another lower level prospect imo…
I figure he’d be for a top 100 prospect with a couple Top 15 org prospects.
==========================
I think you’re looking at an opening bid of a good top-25 guy.
If Luzardo isn’t a legit number 1 or 2 then why would they expect more than Herrera for him?
Herrera is a big league ready catcher with numerous years of team control. Who else has one of those to trade? Pittsburgh does. That’s it.
I was making the argument from each team’s perspective. To the Red Sox Luzardo given his injury history isn’t a legit 1/2 and trading a player like Mayer should net them someone with more certainty.. The marlins are going to view him as a 1/2 with control and would ask for more than Herrera.
The Red Sox would get one of the best closers in baseball plus 2 setup guys plus Luzardo. That’s most of their offseason needs all in one deal.
Herrera is good. He’s ready to play. He has a lot of value.
The Red Sox could trade Mayer for Crochet that’s probably fair. But he’s not really a sure thing either. Who has a legit sure thing number 1 or 2 to trade? I doubt Chris Sale is available……
A closer that is one year away from free agency when there are options for closing out there that won’t involve trading anyone and Luzardo who has a lot of risks. This isn’t the type of long term play I see the sox making.
I’m not saying Herrera isn’t good or doesn’t have value but if I’m the Marlins and I’m looking at what SP goes for especially controllable SP I’m rightly asking for more.
As far legit or sure thing 1/2 goes there might not be a trade partner out there. The Mariners have a ton of pitchers so that’s one option but if something doesn’t materialize then I don’t see the sox making a move.
The benefit of trading for Helsley is he costs 7 million instead of 20 million and he’s only signed for 1 year which involves less risk.
Luzardo is questionable you said so yourself. And he’s only under control for 2 years that’s not a long time.
I could see a deal between the Red Sox and Mariners making sense. A deal involving Kirby and Durran maybe. Abreu for Miller although Miller has nasty home road splits.
I’m totally fine trading Kirby for Duran. but it doesn’t make sense for the sox in the long term to give up any player with the amount of control and pedigree that Mayer has for a rental like Helsley and a risky pitcher like Luzardo. I
Where are all these prospects for the Red Sox gonna play come mod season?
Mayer has pedigree but Durran was one of the best players in baseball last year. Mayer will never have a season like Durrans 2024.
I think the Red Sox should relax and let their young guys develop. But listening to the end of season press conference that’s not what leadership wants to do.
To the Red Sox Luzardo given his injury history isn’t a legit 1/2
==========================
Luzardo has a career ERA+ of 103, one season with a bWAR >2.0, and finished the season on the IL. He’s barely a throw-in. If Mayer gets traded, it will more likely be for someone like Crochet.
Joe – I don’t believe teams will trade on four year old “where did he go in the draft information”.
If you think of the 2021 draft ask yourself – Did it turn out to be a quality draft the year after COVID?
1 – Henry Davis in PIT College Catcher made majors by June of 2023. Has a – 2.0 WAR and 62 OPS+
2 = Jack Leiter in TEX College SP fell to number 2 after being rated #1. Legacy player made majors by April 2024 He has a -1.6 WAR with a MLB ERA of 8.83 and WHIP of 1.71.
3 – Jackson Jobe in DET College P He made the majors by last week in SEP of 2024. Pitched 4 innings with no earned runs.
4 – Marcelo Mayer in BOS HS SS. Hasn’t made the majors. Has played 120 games at AA with an AVG of .264 and OPS of .763. Promoted to AAA but hurt when he arrived.
5 – Colton Cowser in BAL College OF. He made the majors by July 2023.
3.1 WAR and 123 OPS+.
Best pick in the first five selections after 3 full seasons have passed plus the summer when the players were drafted in 2021.
I think good GMs will see the lack of success in the top of this draft and stop thinking #4 pick and start evaluating on actual performance. That’s why I think everyone is over estimating the trade value of Mayer. If I was looking for a Red Sox prospect that has tasted the MLB I would seek out Abreu because they batted him high in the order and Statcast has significantly over rated his defensive skills. That type of information, when not interpreted accurately, leads to guys like Abreu being more valuable than Mayer.
Because most of the data on Anthony and Campbell has been so positive, I think they too will have higher value in a deal. Teel being a high quality prospect catcher also should have more value than Mayer.
Now flip things and ask yourself if Luzardo is better than Houck, Crawford or Bello. He has started 89 games and has a 4.29 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Houck has 71 starts and has a 3.55 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. Crawford has 69 starts and has a 4.56 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. Bello has 69 starts and has a 4.42 ERA and 1.41 WHIP.
Crochet has 32 starts and has a 3.29 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.
To add to your comment. Luzardo is a questionable step up from Houck, Crawford and Bello and frankly Crochet is NOT that big of a step up to fill the shoes of a SP1 like we need.
FYI… Giolito has 178 starts and a 4.43 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Like Crochet, best case scenario he’s a SP2 but with his inconsistency he could be anything down to a SP5.
That’s not what we need. We need an undisputed SP1 like Sale was. A potential all-star and Cy Young candidate.
If Crochet isn’t an ace then who is???
You guys need to be reasonable.
Seattle has said they are not trading anyone from their starting rotation
I’d like to see the Red Sox:
– Trade for Skubal. Could Crawford, Whitlock, Criswell, Roman Anthony (yes I FRICKIN said RA), Casas, and Rafaela get it done?
– Trade for Crochet. Could Winckowsk, Slaten, Isiah Campbell, Abreu, Hamilton, and Sogard get it done?
– Sign Aroldis Chapman as the Closer. He can still pitch at a high level and he hit 102 MPH against the FRICKIN Yankees on 9/27/24. When’s the last time a FRICKIN Red Sox pitcher hit 100+ MPH? Daniel FRICKIN Bard??
2025 Starting Pitchers:
– Skubal LHP
– Houck RHP
– Crochet LHP
– Bello RHP
– Giolito RHP or Fitts RHP
2025 Closer: Aroldis Chapman LHP
This pitching staff would be FRICKIN awesome to watch.
And if I still believed in FRICKIN Santa, I’d like them to trade for Hunter Greene. This kid is an absolute stud and would excel in a big market like Boston. I don’t see the Reds trading him even if we included Giolito (and paid his entire salary for 2025}, Fitts, Chris Murphy, and 3 of the top pitching prospects.
I’d also like to see Red Sox:
– Move Devers to 1B (an
absolute FRICKIN no brainer).
– Trade for Jake Burger to play 3B (PLZ DO NOT FRICKIN SIGN BREGMAN. He will be another Story (with our bad luck) and always be on the IL). Burger is a better defender than Devers, CHEAPER (WHICH IS THE NEW RED SOX MANTRA), a right handed hitter, and has the ability to hit 30 home runs (he almost did it with the CWS and Marlins with limited playing time). A possible 30 / 30 combo on the infield corners. I can’t remember the last time that’s happened with the Red Sox. Can you?
– Let Teel be the backup catcher behind Wong. This will be an invaluable learning experience for him that he would not get in Worcester.
– Give Mayer (SS) and Campbell (2B) a FRICKIN LEGITIMATE chance to make the starting lineup instead of waiting to promote them mid year so you can SQUEEZE another FRICKIN year of service out of them (same with Teel). Let them PLAY!
– Move Story to LF (it would probably keep him off the FRICKIN IL because it’s a less demanding position)
– Sign Teoscar Hernandez to play RF (SPEND THE FRICKIN $$ and DO NOT RESIGN THE INJURY PRONED O’NEIL)
– Keep Duran in CF (DO NOT FRICKIN TRADE HIM)
2025 Starting Line Up:
– Duran CF
– Story LF
– Devers 1B
– Hernandez RF
– Yoshida DH
– Burger 3B
– Wong C
– Mayer SS
– Campbell 2B
That would be a lineup I’d want to watch.
neither you nor I have any idea if Mayer will have a season as good as Duran or Mayer may exceeded. By the same Token neither you nor idea know if Duran will have another season like he did last time. The Red Sox might very well chose to move Duran or Abreu which you could also get that from watching the end of the season press conference.
KD17: you continue to get hung up Mayer’s batting average in AA as if it’s the be all end all. not every draft expert or prospect ranking system is wrong because you don’t agree with them. Even though I disagree with this assessment. You’d have more of a point if you wanted to bring up his injury history.
It’s still too early to say whether or not the 2021 draft was “terrible” or not.
Joe: KD17/Troll free is already back on his anti Mayers kick. So yes weirdly consistent
I still want the Red Sox to give Mayer (SS) and Campbell (2B) a legitimate chance to make the team and move Story to LF. What do they have to lose? It will be exciting to watch (just like when Betts & Bogarts came up).
The Red Sox need a top of the rotation lefty starter. They need to trade a lefty hitter or 3 and they also need back of the pen help. If they trade Mayer they can solve some of those issues for sure.
I don’t know why people are so quick to push Mayer out the door (outside of KD17 because of his weird anti Mayer bias.) The red sox have much better depth to trade from in their outfield which would make more sense to move someone from there.
I am a Cardinals fan. The Cardinals need a long term 3b. I don’t think Mayer is the first guy the Red Sox would want to trade but he’s the guy the Cardinals would want imo.
I’m not sure the Cardinals have anything the sox want unless the cards plan to move Hence
Red Sox need a closer and a setup guy. Cardinals have that.
Red Sox need a closer and a setup guy. Cardinals have that.
===================
They’ll go with Hendriks. And hopefully extend Martin.
Relying on a guy who missed all of the 2024 season as a closer for a team going full throttle seems silly.
the full throttle thing was beaten to death over the course of the last year. Don’t know why you’re still harping on that.
I just like saying it because it’s funny. And it appears they actually are going full throttle this year. At least that’s what they are saying we will see.
well it was never really all that funny and after the debacle of what happened when they said that last season the sox have avoided saying anything like full throttle since this season ended so not sure where you’re getting that from.
Sox management is pretty brain dead but not that brain dead.
They didn’t use the words full throttle but thats what they said a few weeks ago in so many words.
Blackpink – Hendriks had 114 saves in four years when he started closing. He carried an ERA of 1.78 to 2.71 during the four years of closing and his Ks per 9 were consistently over 13. He was an all-star and Cy Young candidate during the four years and unfortunately he got cancer.
He’s healthy now. It may take a few games to get back in the swing of things if it doesn’t happen during spring training but there is no reason for him to be unreliable in 2025. We all are going to keep our fingers crossed about the cancer not suddenly coming back and he’s a great inspirational story and a quality clubhouse guy. Boston doesn’t need a closer they need excellent set-up men from the right and left to get us to the 9th. Martin still looks good to me if we can sign him.
He got cancer. Assuming he bounces back and is the same player he used to be at his advanced age and after having cancer is extremely optimistic.
You can never have too many good bullpen guys. But you certainly can have not enough of them.
He missed the year because of elbow surgery. He beat cancer back in April of 2023.
no Breslow didn’t say anything tantamount to full throttle. Not even close. He said he wanted to balance the lineup and add pitching.
He said it’s time to start winning. They were very aggressive comments that guys like him don’t usually make.
Full throttle. That’s what he said.
you can keep applying your own interpretation if you’d like but what he said regardless of what type of person you think is doesn’t come close to full throttle.
Acell10 – Exactly. He’s a quality closer who wasted a major portion of his career not closing. It’s his strength and his price is awesome.
I agree that better OF trade depth. Mayer is currently becoming an injury concern to avid bosox wizards. To the point, its swallowable to part with him if they get some one they like. The team does have decent replacements for SS, and the lower minors has some decent middle infield guys too.
Decent middle infielders yes but Mayer is a top ten prospect for a reason. I’m not as overly concerned as the wizards (?) regarding his injury history and while there is some decent middle infield depth there isn’t a SS with as high a ceiling last Mayer in the system. The sox are better off moving from their OF then Mayer
his weird anti Mayer bias.
========================
Not weird at all. He hates Bloom, so he hates everyone that Bloom drafted or traded for. Okay, a little weird but logical, in a weird way.
oh for sure. his weird logic is consistent in his hatred for bloom love for dumbo and extreme hatred for Devers and Cora but to someone that isn’t him it’s extremely weird.
They should trade Mookie for Verdugo.
No insight here whatsoever. Red Sox five (5) superstars knocking at the door and need to clear roster spots for them. So that means one or two of the current roster spots need to be cleared. No room for Tyler McRenfroe and his strikeout show. Pitchers are needed.
No insight here whatsoever? Funny because you stating the Red Sox have five superstars knocking at the door is about as rose coloured as you can get. If you get a top prospect to turn out to be a decent MLB player then you have done your job as a farm system. Anthony has the highest upside and even he is not a guarantee of superstardom…
knuckleheads – Good point that players don’t routinely become superstars just because the press or front office tell you how great they are.
It will be fun to see which is the best of the young players. People have guessed incorrectly a lot since 2019. Duran was a bum until he wasn’t. Jeter Downs was a great pick-up until he wasn’t. Casas couldn’t hit until he could so now he can’t field until he does. The guesses are so frequently wrong lately that it’s hard to know who to believe. The five superstars is more than the number we graduated since Bogaerts first came along. Sure there is Bogey, Mookie and Devers but that’s three and while in the minors Bogey and Devers were highly touted while Mookie sat behind Swihart in the front office pecking order. Likewise, we have Abreu highly touted now and Rafaela following in Duran’s footsteps as a guy many want back in the minors like they did Duran. Are they right? History shows they aren’t but it’s never a known until the break 0ut happens. It’s true for Mookie and Duran and might be for Rafaela. Now add five more guys in Mayer, Teel, Anthony, Campbell and whoever the fifth superstar was that got referenced and how many will be more than league average or slightly above league average players?
I like Campbell and Anthony while Teel will be a huge upgrade that is needed and I still believe talent wise Rafaela provides the greatest upside potential while two years younger than Abreu. Will any of the youngster graduating to the MLB in 2025 hit over .250? It’s unlikely but it could happen. Will pitcher’s adjust as they get familiar with their hitting? Absolutely and the players will need to learn how to adjust. Rafaela and Abreu struggled with that in 2024 just like Devers did in 2018. It’s a right of passage. 2026 is far more likely for Campbell, Teel, Anthony and possibly Mayer if he stays healthy, improves his defense and continues hitting like in 2024. So should we be thinking Division Titles in 2025? I think not but anything is possible once we know the 2025 roster and see how healthy it stays.
It will be fun to see if you are right that Anthony is the next Duran in that he’s the next all-star in Boston.
They should sign a guy named Mookie Verdugo.
Verdugo’s free agency will be intriguing. For a relatively young player, he’s burned many bridges with his perceived attitude and under-performance. He’s got a lot to prove.
I think he lands one of those quirky contracts with the opt-outs. He annoyed the crap out of me n Boston, but he is a legit player. Maybe not everyday, but he has talent.
Nick Deeds – I’m not trying to be picky but why post payroll in lump sums rather than by year? Nobody cares much about the grand total of contracts they care about annual impact, thus AAV has been published for a very long time. AAV tells you the CAP impact in each year.
It’s just cruel to mention the remaining $284 Million for Devers since his useful years will end long before 2033. Same for guys like Story and Yoshida. Nobody wants to know they cost over $133 Million they care that in 2025 Bloom wasted an AAV of $70.65M of the payroll on these 3 guys.. That means 29.3% is spent on a 3B who can’t field, a SS who can’t stay healthy and hasn’t hit and a DH who has been inconsistent hitting and can’t field.
The $241 Million 2025 Luxury Tax Cap is roughly 30% gone on an all-star hitting butcher of a 3B, a once great SS who hasn’t been in at least 3 years and a former Japanese star who should be DH despite a far better candidate for DH existing on the team.
The true impact of how badly Bloom contracted players gets jumbled in the whole contract perspective because nobody should be planning that way and if they are, that explains why Boston has been a .500 team since Mookie the franchise player got moved in 2020.
Your article is very thorough it simply can’t be related to in terms of the money need each year to compete. Nobody should be caring about beyond 2025 payroll because the contracts are all ready signed and present themselves as obstacles to success but aren’t relevant to winning in 2025 other than the enormity of waste that must be swallowed.
The single key value is the expected cap space when all the contracts for existing farm system players on the MLB roster is paid for. The SPOTRAC number is $78.8 Million as of now.
So your article should lead to answering the question:
Can Boston spend $78.8Million in the off season to get
1 – A SP#1 and SP#2 (One must by Lefty)
2 – A right handed or switch hitting power hitting 3B that can field
That’s it. Get those 3 things and Boston makes the playoffs. Get more and they might win the division (assuming Cora is replaced). It wouldn’t take much for this team to jump into the Division race but without it, it’s hard to see a way they do better than .500 ish.
Can Boston spend $78.8Million in the off season to get
1 – A SP#1 and SP#2 (One must by Lefty)
2 – A right handed or switch hitting power hitting 3B that can field
That’s it. Get those 3 things and Boston makes the playoffs.
=========================
I’d go so far as to say that, if they can accomplish your first point, they are a strong favorite for the playoffs, with a good shot at 1st. They have the prospects to trade for Crochet, and the money to sign either Sasaki, Snell, or maybe even Bieber.
Joe – I agree it would be an incredible pleasure to get the first item accomplished. I think the playoffs are more likely if it happens but since 2024 was filled with more luck than other years (like 2021) I’m guessing our luck might regress a bit and that’s why we will need more than the first one to make the playoffs.
I find it hard to believe we’ll have a chance at a division title until Devers is a DH. Too many unaccounted for runners for this team to win over 90 games. But I am pumped that the young outfield will take us back to the young days of Mookie, Benny and JBJ and I like Casas enough to think back to 2013 and Napoli. With Teel catching, and Campbell playing somewhere, 2025 will be a fun team to watch with slightly better outfield defense, catching and an improving 1B on defense.
If Campbell finally gets recognized by the front office, where ever he plays he will be an upgrade on defense.and possibly the bat if he stays hot like the last two seasons.
Because Japanese pitchers don’t typically jump in and make the needed adjustments to the MLB and the USA, I prefer Snell and Bieber as a tandem to join Boston. Houck sitting behind Bieber makes the starting staff as good or better than most of the AL. I’m not sure why, I simply don’t trust Crochet and I’d rather spend money than talent for the SP1 and SP2 because Henry has hoarded since 2020 and it’s time to give back to rebuild what he tore down. The power hitting right handed 3B of the future could be the opportunity to move some of the redundant depth. Wouldn’t that be nice!!
Would Boston eat 18 mil over 3 yrs to move Yoshida? Because the Pirates should make that trade. He may be a limited player, but a .349 OBP would be tremendously valuable to Pittsburgh. The return may not be great, but Boston could shed 12 mil off the payroll and get rid of a player they don’t really want or need.
The Red Sox would be overjoyed to get rid of Yoshida at a cost of only 15 mil over 3 years. The likelier scenario is that it would cost 15 mil PER YEAR to move him, and that would still free 3 mil/yr which could produce a better outcome for the roster than having to carry Yoshida. BUT … the shoulder surgery kills everything for 2025. Maybe if Yoshi performs in 2025, the Sox might be able to find a taker a year from now if they pay him down by about 20 mil on the two remaining years.
It’s funny how baseball trends run in cycles. I feel like we’re almost back to a point where OBP is undervalued. Some teams seem to have stopped emphasizing it altogether. It’s as valuable today as it was after the Money Ball great awakening when everyone suddenly prioritized it.
If Yoshida could push his walk rate to 8%, he would be as valuable as the higher regarded Luis Arraez. If he pushed it all the way to 10%, he would be working cheap at his current salary.
The likelier scenario is that it would cost 15 mil PER YEAR to move him,
============================
No chance. He had an .823 OPS in the 2nd half. The fit is poor being a lefty, but we have a dearth of guys that can get on base. He stays.
Joe – For me, it’s money spent, it’s depth that will get played more than it should be thanks to Cora’s belief in over playing the bench, he’s a logical late inning pinch hitter and he’s not a clubhouse distraction if he doesn’t play.
Keeping him is highly likely but if someone wanted him, I would wish him well if they offered comparable or better value. A good fit elsewhere needs to be reciprocated with a good fit in Boston. It’s not a dump, it’s a complimentary swap for talent needed.
Lackluster? Ok yeah… but considering a lot of people were predicting them to be last in the AL East and for a while they were legitimate contenders for the wild card, that is saying something. So let’s start with what went right:
1) Pitching… well starters. For a team that lacked a legit ace or a legit number 2 or 3 we saw huge steps up from both Houck and Crawford. Houck especially who was in the CY Young conversation early in the season and will get a few lower level votes that may see him in the top 10 for voting. Both started 30 games for the first time and both went more than 60 innings beyond what they have before. They clearly were tired in the second half of the season. Maybe some development pushes them into being better.
2) Base running. Third most steals in the AL. Always helps having the small ball option.
3) Development. Besides Houck and Crawford they were improvements from Wong and Durran. Abreu and Rafaela had decent rookie seasons.
Improvements needs:
1) Defense – Not sure how many games I saw where it seemed like they couldn’t field a ground ball. Not to mention last game of the season where they botched a simple run down. It was embarrassing.
2) The pen – Again… embarassment in a lot of places though a few bright spots.
3) Pretty much everything I didn’t mention already and for that matter improving the starting pitching and making sure no backslides in development.
Last year while it was infuriating to watch them stand by and do nothing it was, interestingly enough, an improvement. This is the time to capitalize on future roster depth. There’s some good players waiting in Worcester and Portland it’s time to use that strength to see what the future can bring in.
Good post. The addition of Hendricks and Whitlock will hopefully improve the pen.
I’m hoping that Martin feels comfortable enough in Boston that he won’t want to switch.
It wasn’t “infuriating”,
It made sense.
Claydagoat – It made sense to do nothing?
Baseball is a competitive sport. Doing nothing is an unusual stragegy Cotton!!!
I vote infuriating. Actions don’t have to be wrong actions. Breslow could have done some right actions and changed the post all-star downturn from happening for a fourth year in a row.
Are we down on Marcelo Mayer?
certain people are. mostly in the minorityI don’t happen to be one of them.
MafiaBass – It’s never about being up or down it’s about what the players credentials are. He’s been frequently injured compared to others so do we want the future to be so heavily counted on by a guy who hasn’t stayed healthy? When you pick fourth in the draft for the first time in many years I think it’s fair to expect a stud. You can’t assume a stud, he must prove it. So if being down on Mayer is being disappointed that he’s always hurt then I’d say disappointed. If being down on Mayer is not seeing performances at the lowest levels of the minors comparable to many of the other Red Sox prospects, then yes it’s disappointing. Will he get healthy and have an all-star career? it’s a possibility but the data suggests there are several others in Boston that are far more likely.
Is that being down or is that simply reality and we need to see improvement in health, defense and more consistent hitting? His recent hitting has been the best of his career and we need it to continue or improve.
If soto leaves new york red Sox will finish ahead of them easily
Sox fans- we all know that Daddy John Henry is done spending money on this team. He is more concerned with other endeavors (300 million on the PGA). Fenway Park generates the revenue for FSG so him and his YesMan Sam Kennedy are content with mediocrity.
Misty – Some franchises don’t let their top players go. The NYY is one of them. It’s not a question of if he goes, it’s a question of how much will Judge and Soto make together while Stanton plays out his contract somewhere else due to his World Series performance. NY has always found a sucker to take bloated contracts with some financial assistance, I fully expect that to be the case in 2025. Soto is going nowhere unless LAD somehow gets in the mix and mortgages the future after 2050!!
Too bad keeping their top players hasn’t paid off.
Claydagoat – Do you mean for Boston or New York?
Boston won rings over 15 years by keeping most of their best players. During that time two GMs have crippled the payroll with bad judgement but all got corrected when Dombrowski signed in Boston and said the past mistakes aren’t his so ownership had to own them. That allowed him to spend up to the CAP on his current players not the past mistakes and 3 divisions later and a ring he had righted the ship and was on the verge of a dynasty because the Cherington bad money was rolling off and giving Mookie 9 Million to convince him long term was a plan that should have worked. Then someone dropped a bomb on the franchise and it’s still recovering 5 years later.
Dombrowski’s approach gave Boston sustained winning (3 of 4 seasons) and that’s what the ownership claimed they were seeking despite already having it. The Red Sox had a GM who was outstanding at picking high priced players that will normally pay off. No way he could have predicted the Cora factor when he got him shoved down his throat to save the organization on the diversity issues.
If you are talking about the Yankees. NY has a history of bad choices when handing out big contracts. Soto may be the best signing they have had since Reggie. Cole has done very well and is proving to be an exception too except his Daddy is Devers. Soto is a very smart move for NY. I also believe the stardom of Stanton in the playoffs might permit Cashman to find a dumping ground for him like he’s done in the past with other over paid/under performing big names in NY. As we watched NY fail yet again at winning a ring, it shows that the roster not only needs to overcome the many changes of over priced stars but a buffoon Manager like in Boston. Much like Cora, Boone will continue to prevent NY from winning a ring. Think about how good that 2018 team was to overcome Cora. I don’t think the NY roster will be as strong as the 2018 Red Sox roster for many years to come unless Cashman gets fired. Bad talent acquisition is too common. Soto would be an exception.
Tande Candidates: Story, Yoshida, Hamilton, Valdez, Sogard, Gonzales, Meidroth, Romero.
Off Limits: Duran, Abreu, Rafaela, Anthony, Campbell, Montgomery, Teel, Casas, Grissom, Bleis, Arias, Zanetello, Cespedes, Mayer.
Free Agency for Aces it’s only money…DO NOT blow a young dynasty position wise. We have plenty of studs outside tge off limit guys above to trade for young controllable SPs…see the top 30.
Trade Candidates correction also add Garcia OF, Garcia C
I mostly agree. Zanetello had a pretty bad first year in the minors. Also, you need to be careful about the number of years when signing older free agents (above age 30). If the player is signed for too many years and has a big drop off in performance, you could be stuck with a bad player for years which will hold the team back.
I’m a PISSED OFF Red Sox Fan! I DID NOT go to, or watch, any FRICKIN Red Sox games this year. They have to improve their lineup next year just to get me to watch again. I’d like to see them:
– Move Devers to 1B (an
absolute FRICKIN no brainer).
– Trade for Jake Burger to play 3B (PLZ DO NOT FRICKIN SIGN BREGMAN. He will be another Story (with our bad luck) and always be on the IL). Burger is a better defender than Devers, CHEAPER (WHICH IS THE NEW RED SOX MANTRA), a right handed hitter, and has the ability to hit 30 home runs (he almost did it with the CWS and Marlins with limited playing time). A possible 30 / 30 combo on the infield corners. I can’t remember the last time that’s happened with the Red Sox. Can you?
– Let Teel be the backup catcher behind Wong. This will be an invaluable learning experience for him that he would not get in Worcester.
– Give Mayer (SS) and Campbell (2B) a FRICKIN LEGITIMATE chance to make the starting lineup instead of waiting to promote them mid year so you can SQUEEZE another FRICKIN year of service out of them (same with Teel). Let them PLAY!
– Move Story to LF (it would probably keep him off the FRICKIN IL because it’s a less demanding position)
– Sign Teoscar Hernandez to play RF (SPEND THE FRICKIN $$ and DO NOT RESIGN THE INJURY PRONED O’NEIL)
– Keep Duran in CF (DO NOT FRICKIN TRADE HIM)
– Trade Roman Anthony (yes I FRICKIN said RA), Casas, Rafaela, Abreu, Hamilton, and Sogard for starting pitching.
2025 Starting Line Up:
– Duran CF
– Story LF
– Devers 1B
– Hernandez RF
– Yoshida DH
– Burger 3B
– Wong C
– Mayer SS
– Campbell 2B
That would be a lineup I’d want to watch.
Any thought?
Pissed off – I have been in the same frame of mind since Dombrowski got fired. I tolerated Cora until he screwed up Sale but for years now I have been disgusted with the behavior of the owners and the GMS/Manager they have employed.
First point for me is burn Devers glove because if you think he can use it you haven’t watched closely enough since he was 14 years old. HE MUST BE THE DH to win enough to have a shot at the division title. Casas being displaced on defense for Devers is just as dumb as playing Devers ANYWHERE on defense. I’ll take the hot dog vendor over Devers on defense. He’s the worst fielder since the dead ball era at 3B. Something easily proven by reviewing the numbers on Baseball Reference.
Excellent choice on Burger because I recently reviewed all power hitting right handed 3Bs and I think we can live with the .250 average if he hits 30 or more dingers. Also, he can’t be worse than Devers on defense.
Not rushing Teel is a decent idea if Wong doesn’t revert back to his hitting prior to 2024. The guy came out of nowhere and could go back there very easily so this suggestion needs to have a contingency plan. Also the guy with his head up his rear end needs to bat Wong 8th not in the heart of the order.
Campbell has played both 2nd and SS so I would keep Mayer in AAA until he proves he can stay healthy and give SS to Campbell to see if he can handle it and hit like he has the last two seasons. That allows Story or Grissom to play 2B. I don’t think either can hit but they are the best choices available.
Story can’t go to LF. Anthony will be there soon enough with Duran and Rafaela/Abreu in RF. Story hasn’t hit so moving him to LF won’t improve his hitting.
Agree that you DON’T trade Duran. Home grown all-star. We can’t keep making that mistake..
Your suggestions for trading are the weakest point in your discussion. Don’t trade Anthony, Casas, Rafaela because in a couple of years they will be right there with Duran as studs. Dumping Mayer (big name no performance so far other than 2024 and too many injuries) Abreu (high profile guy who doesn’t hit lefties) and Hamilton (old buddy of Cora’s from his days as a Houston bench coach monitoring UT Baseball) Sogard is a non entity right now so a throw in on a trade just slightly more valuable than a bucket of baseballs.
2025 line-up
Duran CF
Campbell SS
Devers DH
Burger 3B
Casas 1B
Anthony LF
Story/Grissom 2B
Wong/Teel C
Rafaela/Abreu RF
What about this line-up?
Far better defense and far better hitting
Any thoughts?
They also have to improve their pitching next year just to get me to watch again. I’d like to see them:
– Trade for Skubal. Could Crawford, Whitlock, Criswell, Roman Anthony (yes I FRICKIN said RA), Casas, and Rafaela get it done?
– Trade for Crochet. Could Winckowsk, Slaten, Isiah Campbell, Abreu, Hamilton, and Sogard get it done?
– Signing Aroldis Chapman as the Closer. He can still pitch at a high level and he hit 102 MPH against the FRICKIN Yankees on 9/27/24. When’s the last time a FRICKIN Red Sox pitcher hit 100+ MPH? Daniel FRICKIN Bard??
2025 Starting Pitchers:
– Skubal LHP
– Houck RHP
– Crochet LHP
– Bello RHP
– Giolita RHP or Fitts RHP
2025 Closer: Aroldis Chapman LHP
This pitching staff would be FRICKIN awesome to watch.
Any thoughts?
TBH (and if I still believed in FRICKIN Santa), I’d like them to trade for Hunter Greene. This kid is an absolute stud and would excel in a big market like Boston. I don’t see the Reds trading him even if we include Giolito (and paid his entire 2025 salary}, Fitts, Chris Murphy and 3 of the top pitching prospects.
Pissed Off – I agree Hunter Greene is a stud and they will need to clear payroll to get him signed long-term in a few years.
Skubal – Too expensive and highly unlikely to be traded. Detroit can afford one expensive guy. Just like Pittsburgh will be able to afford Skenes when the time comes.
Crochet – High price tag for a guy without proven value. He’s a big gamble due to short sample size.
Snell – Makes sense because his pedigree matches his price because his health history will be brought up by most teams. He proved he’s the real deal last year and a lefty now that Sale is in ATL (brilliant move to not fire Cora instead to pay to take Sale away to a manager and coaching staff who has a clue how to handle elite pitchers) is needed badly.
Bieber – Had a bad year and came back with 3 great starts then TJ. He’ll be ready later in the year but hopefully Giolito can hold his own until Bieber makes it back.
After Gio breaks down as expected you’ll have Snell, Bieber, Houck, Campbell and Bello. That’s a very nice staff compared to the last several years. Now you simply have to keep Cora out of the mix and use a good pitching coach to keep them performing well.
Chapman is fun to watch if you are into guys like Mitch Williams or Dick Radatz but we have a great closer in Hendriks so the daily heart attacks as much as I wish I could curse Cora with them aren’t worth it. Hendriks covers the 9th and will do it well. Martin would be a great add on since his contract is up and a strong lefty reliever would be another great add this off season.
Fitts and others give the team more depth than they’ve had in the last four years.
You have interesting ideas. You might be right but from my perspective I think guys like Crochet are more expensive that they should be considering their risk created from a small sample size. Snell is proven as is Bieber. They are perfect to fill out the rotation.
So in the off season we need:
1 – 3B Burger
2 – SP1 Snell
3 – SP2 Bieber
4 – RP Martin
Don’t throw away talent in trades and don’t waste money of worthless acquisitions like the last several years. If a player isn’t an all-star quality player, we don’t want him!! There has to be standards set and enforced by Breslow. You want to dumpster dive for people that are back-ups to back=ups, have at it but don’t waste any choices for the MLB roster that are sub-standard.
Sagacity — Good insight. I’d like to see them sign Snell (not Bieber because of his injury), I just don’t see it happening because they are being so FRICKIN cheap. That’s why I proposed the signings, trades, moving Devers to 1B & Story to LF, and promoting Mayer (SS), Campbell (2B) & Teel (backup C). I’m also NOT counting on any injured players to contribute next year (that includes Giolito & Hendriks).
They made $500+ million in revenue but only spent $250 million last year? If so, they should have no problem spending $300 to $350 million a year! Regardless, I WON’T go to, or watch, any games until they are a legitimate playoff contender again.
that bag of B list players outside of maybe Staten and Abreu is not enough nearly enough for crochet. That trade is frickin! laughable
acell10 — No disrespect, but do you understand WAR?
Crochet – 4.1 WAR (full season)
Abreu – 3.5 WAR (2/3 season)
Hamilton – 2.6 WAR (1/2 season)
It is possible that Crochet will improve his WAR next season and Abreu & Hamilton may not produce the same WAR over a full season, but they are controllable for a lot longer than 2 more years of Crochet.
Also, Winckowski, Slaten, and Sogard are young and have decent potential. Check out their MLB stats and WAR.
no offense but do understand MLB? while WAR is a useful stat it’s not the only factor for how trades get done. Also aggregating war isn’t how players get dealt. If Crochett is getting traded it’s going to be for prospects not for a group of mostly average to below major leaguers.
0 WAR is considered an average player and 3 to 6 WAR is considered an All-Star caliber player. Most teams (not all — so good point) use WAR to gauge the value of a player along with UZR and DRS. Check out the UZR and DRS for Abreu & Hamilton. Their individual combined WAR, UZR, and DRS is higher than anyone on the current White Sox roster (other than Crochet).
You’re actually starting to talk me out of this trade because it significantly favors the White Sox. I’m now thinking Abreu for Crochet would be an even trade.
you must be trolling if you think Wyler alone gets a trade done. The white sox are looking to acquire high level prospects not wyler Abreu and a handful of already established average to below average MLB players for someone with number 1-2 starter upside. Supply and demand still applies to MLB trades too.
Wilyer Abreu had a 3.5 WAR, just won a GG (and he only played 2/3rds of a season), and will not become a free agent until 2030. The Red Sox will need more than Crochet to make it an even trade.
He’s a solid outfielder with terrible platoon splits and very deserving of that gold glove.. That said only playing 2/3 of the year is because he can’t hit lefties. young starting pitching with control like Crochett nets way more than Wyler Abreu. You’re living in a fantasy world, not paying attention to MLB or just plain trolling at this point if you’re still being serious.
Trade Yoshida and let Refsnyder go, resign O’Neil to a 3 yr dead, so IF is Anthony, O’Neil, Rafaela, Duran, & Abreu. Still plenty of trade pieces for a young arm Sogard, Hamilton, Valdez, Gonzales, Meidroth, Romero, Story
Also have Campbell, Montgomery, Grissom, Bleis, Cespedes, Zanetello, Teel, Mayer,
Keep getting younger and Spend Money on FA for a Lefty Ace Fried, Snell, or Meanea maybe a 2nd in Burnes, Bieber, Beuller
Power RHB Soto also but you’d need to trade more OF Abreu,
PISSED OFF Red Sox Fan!
That’s why I proposed the signings, trades, moving Devers to 1B & Story to LF, and promoting Mayer (SS), Campbell (2B) & Teel (backup C)
______________________________________________
Do you want to move the best defensive infielder in Story to left field? – this is absurd
Mayer hasn’t played a single game above double AA and you want to put him straight into a premium position…bad decision
I could go with Campbell, Anthony or Teal, if they crack spring training and make the starting lineup early in the season, but, I have doubts that all the blue chips will make it to the main roster.
I agree that Story is the best defensive SS they have but he’s on the IL more than on the field. The position is too demanding for him at his age — FRICKiN move him!
I’m interested to get your thoughts on Betts. He is one of the best defensive outfielders in all of baseball. Why would they move him to 2B or SS and why would he agree? It’s because he wants to FRICKIN win!
Yes, I do believe they should give Mayer an opportunity to make the team at SS. Why not and what do they have to lose, another year or 2 of Story being on the IL?
Regardless, I will not watch, or go to, any Red Sox games until they become a legitimate playoff contender. They made $500+ million last year but only spent $250 million. FRICKIN cheap b@stards!
PISSED OFF Red Sox Fan!
I agree that Story is the best defensive SS they have but he’s on the IL more than on the field. The position is too demanding for him at his age — FRICKiN move him!
_____________________________________________________________
The Red Sox already have Duran, Rafaela, Abreu, Refer and Anthony in the outfield, plus Yoshida has outfield experience.
You want to move one of the league’s best defensive shortstops into the outfield at a position he’s never played in – it doesn’t make sense.
Even, if Story gets injured again, I would rather entrust the shortstop position to Rafaelа than put Mayer in there, who hasn’t played above double AA and has been injured the last two seasons.
I’m interested to get your thoughts on Betts. Is he one of the best defensive outfielders in all of baseball? Why would they move him to 2B or SS and why would he agree? It’s because he wants to FRICKIN win!
__________________________________________________________
You probably don’t know, but Mookie started his baseball career at second base and this position isn’t alien to him.
Since Pedroia was assigned second base for the Red Sox, Betts was moved to the outfield.
I want to see them improve their lineup and pitching staff.
– Trade Crawford, Whitlock, Criswell, Roman Anthony, Casas, Rafaela, a top minor league pitcher, and $$ for Skubal.
– Trade Winckowski, Slaten, Isiah Campbell, Abreu, Hamilton, Sogard, a top minor league pitcher, and $$ for Crochet.
– Sign Aroldis Chapman to be the Closer. He can still pitch at a high level and he hit 102 MPH against the FRICKIN Yankees on 9/27/24.
2025 Starting Pitchers:
– Skubal LHP
– Houck RHP
– Crochet LHP
– Bello RHP
– Giolito RHP or Fitts RHP
2025 Closer: Aroldis Chapman LHP
– Move Devers to 1B (an absolute FRICKIN no brainer).
– Trade for Jake Burger to play 3B.
– Let Teel be the backup catcher behind Wong.
– Give Mayer (SS) and Campbell (2B) a FRICKIN LEGITIMATE chance to make the starting lineup instead of waiting to promote them mid year so you can SQUEEZE another FRICKIN year of service out of them (same with Teel).
– Move Story to LF (it would probably keep him off the FRICKIN IL because it’s a less demanding position)!
– Sign Teoscar Hernandez to play RF (SPEND THE FRICKIN $$ and DO NOT RESIGN THE INJURY PRONED O’NEIL)!
– Keep Duran in CF (DO NOT FRICKIN TRADE HIM)!
2025 Starting Line Up:
– Duran CF
– Story LF
– Devers 1B
– Hernandez RF
– Yoshida DH
– Burger 3B
– Wong C
– Mayer SS
– Campbell 2B
That would be an exciting team to watch!
PISSED OFF Red Sox Fan!
– Trade Crawford, Whitlock, Criswell, Roman Anthony, Casas, Rafaela, a top minor league pitcher, and $$ for Skubal.
_________________________________________________
I think this is a big overpayment for 2 years of Skubal.
Sale had 3 years of control and a longer track record than Skubal – the White Sox got Moncada (#7 overall), Kopech (#5 Red Sox), Basabe (#8 Red Sox) and a lottery ticket.
I would offer a package for Skubal – Mayer, Abreu, Crawford, Sandlin and a lottery ticket.
The Red Sox have Arias and his arrival coincides with the end of Story’s contract.
Rafaela is currently insurance for Story, perhaps Campbell can close the short stop in case of force majeure.
Mayer is left-handed and a waste material, Anthony should be untouchable like Campbell.
I have serious doubts that the Tigers will trade Skubal at all.
PISSED OFF Red Sox Fan!
– Trade Winckowski, Slaten, Isiah Campbell, Abreu, Hamilton, Sogard, a top minor league pitcher, and $$ for Crochet.
___________________________________________________
The White Sox will be retooling and there is no point in the players you listed.
I think the proposal would start with at least No. 5 Montgomery or No. 6 Arias Red Sox.
– Sign Aroldis Chapman to be the Closer. He can still pitch at a high level and he hit 102 MPH against the FRICKIN Yankees on 9/27/24.
__________________________________________________________
Chapman isn’t the same closer he used to be.
I’d rather sign Scott over lefties and one high leverage reliever like Martin (Minter, Kittredge, Treinen)
PISSED OFF Red Sox Fan
But on the other hand, if they have the money before the first tax threshold and the Red Sox management gives the green light, then I would make trades with the FA.
They need a SP 1/2 lefty and another in the middle rotation.
For example, Fried 26
million AAV, leaflet on Buhler 15 million AAV, Scott 14 million AAV, Minter 8 million AAV – saved prospects give more maneuvers for the deadline.
I would keep Gold Glover Abreu, it is unknown how Anthony will develop in MLB, so insurance is necessary.
And I’d give Abreu a chance against lefties in 2025.
Clearly, Wilyer has power and could hit 20+ home runs in a full season.
Verdugo was given a chance against lefties, although he had splits.
In terms of potential, Abreu is better than Verdugo both offensively, defensively, and on the base paths.
Why can’t Abreu be given a chance?
I think he was very underrated in the Astros farm and continues to be underrated by some Red Sox fans.
And as I said in an earlier post, I’d like them to trade for Hunter Greene. This kid is an absolute stud and would excel in a big market like Boston. I don’t see the Reds trading him even if we include Giolito (and paid his entire 2025 salary}, Fitts, Chris Murphy, 3 pitching prospects, and $$.