The 2025 Boston Red Sox made a notable return to the postseason, finishing third in the AL East with an 89-73 record. Despite bowing out in the Wild Card round to the Yankees, their playoff appearance marked a significant step forward after missing out since 2021. With a few challenging seasons behind them, the Red Sox faithful were eager to see the team back in contention.
While the Red Sox showed enough grit to make the playoffs, there was clearly room for growth. Their bullpen was among the best in the league, but the starting rotation needed reinforcement, ranking around the middle of the pack. Offensively, they were a top-10 team, but the front office was busy making moves to bolster the roster, especially focusing on the starting rotation.
Additions & Subtractions
The Red Sox's starting rotation in 2025 posted a combined fWAR of 11.7, with ace Garrett Crochet accounting for a significant portion. Brayan Bello, while solid, wasn't quite the second ace they needed. To address this, Boston made strategic additions.
They traded for veteran Sonny Gray, who, at 36, is looking to bring experience despite a 4.28 ERA in 32 starts with the Cardinals last year. The hope is that Gray can still deliver quality innings. Additionally, the Red Sox acquired Johan Oviedo from the Pirates to add depth to the back end of the rotation.
The most significant move was signing Ranger Suárez to a five-year, $130 million deal, a blow to the Orioles who were also in the hunt for his signature. Suárez's addition is expected to be a game-changer for Boston's pitching staff.
Lucas Giolito, who had a solid 2025 with the Red Sox, remains a free agent, leaving a gap that the team has filled with their new acquisitions. The current rotation lineup features Crochet, Suárez, Gray, Bello, and Oviedo.
In the bullpen, the Red Sox welcomed former Oriole Danny Coulombe, while Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock continue to lead the charge. The hope is for Chapman, now 38, to maintain his form.
Offensively, Boston aimed to strengthen first base by bringing in Willson Contreras from the Cardinals, replacing Nathaniel Lowe, who signed with the Reds. The departure of Alex Bregman to the Cubs was a significant loss, but the trade for Caleb Durbin, who impressed as a rookie with Milwaukee, aims to fill that void.
Marcelo Mayer, a 2025 rookie, is set to take over at second base, with Trevor Story holding down shortstop. The outfield remains steady with Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, and Ceddanne Rafaela. Anthony, in particular, has the potential to emerge as the team's standout hitter.
Projections
The projections for the Red Sox vary. PECOTA suggests a dip in wins, while FanGraphs sees them maintaining their form. Despite the roster shake-up, these predictions indicate a cautious outlook.
The Red Sox have historically swung between being contenders and struggling, with little middle ground. Given this, their 2026 season could go in any direction, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.