The Boston Red Sox haven’t exactly been quiet this offseason - and they’re not done yet.
After bolstering their pitching staff with the additions of Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray, and Johan Oviedo, Boston has turned its attention to the lineup. Willson Contreras is already in the fold, and the club just inked utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a $6 million deal. But with Spring Training just around the corner, the Red Sox are still shopping for more offensive firepower.
According to a team source, Boston remains active in the market for another bat. And while the Kiner-Falefa signing helps patch one infield hole, the front office - led by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow - knows there’s still work to do if this lineup is going to keep pace in a competitive AL East.
So where could the upgrade come from?
The infield is one clear area to watch. Kiner-Falefa brings defensive versatility and contact hitting, but he’s not a middle-of-the-order threat.
If Boston wants to raise its offensive ceiling, they may need to aim higher. Names like Isaac Paredes, Matt Shaw, or Nico Hoerner have been floated as potential fits - though prying any of them away won’t be easy.
All three are young, controllable, and valued by their current clubs. Still, Boston has a few cards to play, including outfield depth and a surplus of pitching prospects that could help swing a deal.
If the infield route proves too steep, the Red Sox could pivot to the outfield - specifically, a right-handed bat to balance a lefty-heavy group. Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, and Jarren Duran all hit from the left side, and with Rob Refsnyder now in Seattle, there’s a clear opening for a righty who can handle left-handed pitching and provide some veteran presence off the bench.
The Red Sox don’t need to land a superstar to improve. They need the right piece - someone who complements what’s already in place and helps round out a roster that’s starting to take shape.
Contreras brings pop behind the plate, Kiner-Falefa brings flexibility, and the pitching staff looks deeper than it has in years. But for this team to truly contend, the offense needs another gear.
With less than a week to go before camp opens, Boston’s front office is still working the phones. The message is clear: they’re not standing pat. Whether it’s an infielder with upside or a righty bat to balance the bench, the Red Sox are still in upgrade mode - and they’re not done building just yet.