The Red Sox have been busy this offseason, especially compared to years in the past. After years of not improving the roster and leading the fans on, the front office finally has given the team a chance to make a run for the first time in years.
The Sox have made some valuable free-agent signings to boost their pitching staff. On December 10th, they kicked off their offseason moves by signing veteran relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman, a flamethrowing left-hander who has served as a closer for the Reds, Yankees, Cubs, Royals, Rangers, and Pirates over the course of his career. Then, over winter break, the Red Sox signed starting pitchers Patrick Sandoval and Walker Buehler. Sandoval, who had Tommy John surgery in 2024, will not make an immediate impact, but Buehler should be an important piece in the Sox’s rotation. Buehler, their most expensive free agent (having signed a one-year, $21.05 million deal), is no stranger to the biggest stage, having closed out the 2024 World Series for the Dodgers, and he is capable of being a talented starting pitcher for this year’s Red Sox team.
The highlight of Boston’s offseason has been adding a true ace by trading for Garrett Crochet. The Red Sox have not had a dominant starting pitcher since the healthy years of Chris Sale, another tall lefty acquired from the Chicago White Sox. Crochet will turn 26 this June, and his whopping 6’6”, 245-pound frame allows him to consistently throw in the upper 90s with his fastball while mixing in an impressive slider, changeup, and sinker. Bradford Adams ’26 said, “I think he has a good fastball and is a good fit for Fenway park. He could be a CY Young award winner this year.” In exchange for the All-Star lefty, the Sox shipped off four prospects to the Windy City, including highly ranked catcher Kyle Teel and 2024 first-round pick Braden Montgomery.
Some remaining gaps on the Red Sox roster include a right-handed power hitter and some shoring up of the pitching staff. One potential solution could be free agent Alex Bregman, a righty third baseman who has expressed willingness to switch to second base. He would be a valuable addition to the team at either of these positions. With their offseason improvements, the Red Sox may have real potential to contend in the playoffs this coming season.