The Boston Red Sox appear to be on the brink of becoming contenders in the American League once again. Throughout much of the 2024 season, the team exceeded expectations and was in playoff contention, even reaching a point during the summer where they boasted a record more than ten games above .500, indicating their potential for a postseason push.
However, a challenging second half ultimately hindered their progress, leaving the Red Sox with an 81-81 record, placing them third in the competitive American League East. Despite this, the team possesses a strong young core, which means that with the right additions of veteran players, they could enhance their chances of success.
The Red Sox have signaled their willingness to invest in the offseason, particularly focusing on addressing their most pressing needs: a starting pitcher, a right-handed hitter, and at least one reliable reliever capable of performing in high-pressure situations. There are numerous options available in free agency that could fulfill these requirements. Among the top targets for Boston are Max Fried, Teoscar Hernández, and Kirby Yates.
Max Fried is expected to be the most expensive option, with projections suggesting a six-year deal worth around $149 million. While this figure may deter some teams, it falls within Boston’s spending capacity. The Red Sox are in need of a starting pitcher, preferably a left-hander, and Fried is one of the top left-handed pitchers available. His previous connection to the organization makes him a natural fit.
Teoscar Hernández expressed a desire to join the Red Sox last offseason, but negotiations fell through, leading him to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he had an impressive season with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs. He is projected to command a three-year contract worth approximately $73 million, making him an ideal candidate to fill the void left by Tyler O’Neill.
The Red Sox would ideally pursue a high-impact left-handed reliever, but they should also consider adding Kirby Yates to their roster. At 37 years old, Yates had a standout season in 2024, posting a remarkable 1.17 ERA over 61 appearances for the Texas Rangers. He is expected to receive around $4 million in free agency. While Boston should seek to secure a left-handed option alongside Yates, they shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to him.
The combined financial outlay for bringing in these three players would total roughly $226 million, which is significant but manageable compared to what top free agents like Corbin Burnes or Juan Soto could command. By securing these key additions and allowing their young core to gain more experience, the Red Sox could very well position themselves for a playoff return in 2025.
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