The Boston Red Sox's journey last year ended in a Wild Card showdown against their arch-rivals, the New York Yankees. While they didn't advance far, the experience was invaluable for their young squad, giving them a taste of high-stakes October baseball.
Despite losing Alex Bregman to the Chicago Cubs, the Red Sox have managed to bolster their roster, looking stronger than the team that chalked up 89 wins last season. The front office has skillfully retained their core while bringing in seasoned veterans to steer the team into the future.
Red Sox's Offseason Moves Set the Stage for Success
With Opening Day on the horizon, the Red Sox have made significant strides in the offseason. Craig Breslow, the Chief Baseball Officer, has orchestrated seven key acquisitions, with former Phillies pitcher Ranger Suarez leading the charge. Suarez was a standout last season, notching 12 wins and a 3.20 ERA, with a 4.7 WAR that placed him among the league's elite pitchers.
Last year, Boston struggled to find reliable starters beyond Garrett Crochet. The addition of Suarez now gives them a formidable one-two punch in the rotation. Breslow also secured Sonny Gray, who delivered 14 wins and a 1.4 WAR, and former Pirate Johan Oviedo to solidify the pitching staff.
The departure of Bregman left a void in the infield, but Breslow addressed this by acquiring Willson Contreras from the Cardinals. Contreras, a 10-year veteran, brings a powerful bat with 80 RBIs and 51 extra-base hits last season, contributing a 2.6 WAR. His presence in the lineup is expected to bolster the team's offensive firepower.
To fill Bregman's shoes at third base, Caleb Durbin was brought in from the Brewers. Durbin, a standout rookie, finished among the top three in NL Rookie of the Year voting, with 36 extra-base hits, 53 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases, resulting in a 2.9 WAR.
While losing Bregman is a blow, the Red Sox's front office has adeptly replenished the roster with players who surpassed Bregman’s output last season. The team now boasts a more balanced lineup and arguably the best pitching rotation in the league.
As the 2026 season kicks off, the Red Sox are poised to build on last year's playoff appearance. The new additions, including Suarez, Durbin, Contreras, Gray, and Oviedo, are expected to integrate seamlessly with the young core. Fans will be eagerly watching spring training to see how these players perform, but if they replicate last year's form, the Red Sox could be primed for a deep postseason run.