The Boston Red Sox have been busy this offseason-but not in the way fans might’ve expected. With a flurry of trades, including the acquisitions of Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo to reinforce the starting rotation, Boston has made it clear they’re focused on pitching.
But the other side of the equation-the lineup-still feels like a puzzle missing a few key pieces. And with Alex Bregman still unsigned, the offensive outlook remains uncertain.
What’s striking is that, despite the trade activity, the Red Sox haven’t dipped into free agency at all. They’re one of only two teams, along with the Colorado Rockies, who have yet to sign a Major League free agent this winter. That’s a rare position to be in this deep into the offseason, especially for a club in a division as competitive as the AL East.
And make no mistake: the AL East is getting tougher by the day. The Orioles have been particularly aggressive, landing Taylor Ward in a trade and making a splash by signing slugger Pete Alonso.
That lineup now has the kind of firepower that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in baseball. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays have addressed one of their biggest needs by signing Dylan Cease, giving their rotation a legitimate frontline boost.
All of this has led to some pointed commentary, including from MLB Network’s Dan Plesac, who offered a sobering prediction for Red Sox fans. On Tuesday, Plesac projected Boston to finish last in the AL East in 2026-a significant drop after finishing third this past season. According to his forecast, Toronto will once again top the division, while both Baltimore and Tampa Bay leapfrog Boston in the standings.
Now, it’s worth noting that the Red Sox aren’t done yet. The offseason is still unfolding, and there’s a very real chance they bring Bregman back into the fold or add another bat through trade or free agency.
If that happens, the complexion of this roster could change quickly. With Gray and Oviedo already in the mix, adding a proven hitter or two could balance things out and give Boston a more complete look heading into spring training.
But right now, the Red Sox are walking a fine line. They’ve improved the rotation, no question-but in a division where everyone else is loading up, standing pat on offense could be costly. The pieces are there for Boston to be competitive, but the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether they’re truly ready to keep pace in what’s shaping up to be an arms race in the AL East.