As the Red Sox prepare to officially kick off spring training, one question looms larger than Fenway Park itself: Is this the team that will carry them through the regular season, or is there still a game-changing move on the horizon?
Since their 2025 postseason heartbreak against the Yankees, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and his team have been anything but idle. They’ve signed Ranger Suárez and traded for Sonny Gray, transforming their rotation into one of baseball’s most formidable. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the rotation looks solid, the infield—particularly second and third base—remains a puzzle. The Red Sox have options, but none scream surefire starter, which is why, as the Globe reported, they’re still scouting for a hitter via trade.
Marcelo Mayer, Romy Gonzalez, newcomer Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and David Hamilton are all in the mix, but none have locked down a spot. And this is the part most people miss: the Red Sox have a history of late-game roster moves. Remember Alex Bregman joining the day before full-squad workouts last year? Or Trevor Story signing in 2022 after the lockout? Even J.D. Martinez in 2018, who helped solidify a World Series-winning lineup. Could a similar move be brewing this year?
The ideal addition? A right-handed infielder with sharp defense and a reliable bat. But here’s the catch: such players are rare this late in the offseason. The Cubs’ Nico Hoerner and the Astros’ Isaac Paredes are options, but neither is perfect—Hoerner’s bat is average, and Paredes’ defense is questionable. Is settling for an imperfect fit better than standing pat?
Beyond the infield, the rotation is stacked. Behind ace Crochet, the Red Sox boast Suárez, Gray, Brayan Bello, Johan Oviedo, and returning-from-injury Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval. Pitching coach Andrew Bailey summed it up perfectly: ‘I don’t think you can have too much pitching. Depth is a great thing to have.’ But here’s the twist: with so many arms, some starters might shift to the bullpen. Who will emerge as the relief aces?
The bullpen currently has Chapman as closer, Garrett Whitlock as setup man, and returning relievers like Justin Slaten and Zack Kelly. Jovani Morán, out of minor league options, could also secure a spot. Yet, there’s room for newcomers like Rule 5 pick Ryan Watson, Tyler Samaniego, and Kyle Keller to make their case. Could an unexpected name steal the show?
As spring training unfolds, the Red Sox face two critical questions: How will the rotation shake out, and who will claim those final bullpen spots? And this is where you come in: Do you think the Red Sox need another big move, or is this roster ready to compete? Let’s debate it in the comments—agree or disagree, your take matters!
