The Boston Red Sox are undergoing a transformation as they shift their focus towards bolstering their bullpen.
Following the news of left-handed reliever Tanner Scott signing a four-year deal with the Dodgers, as reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the team is now actively seeking to enhance their lineup.
Adding a right-handed hitter tops their list of priorities.
Potential Targets: Bregman and Arenado
According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox have zeroed in on several big names, particularly free agent Alex Bregman and potential trade target Nolan Arenado.
While the level of the team’s interest in these stars remains somewhat unclear, there’s speculation that the Red Sox may wait to see how their situations evolve as Spring Training draws closer.
With a projected luxury tax payroll nearing $210 million for the 2025 season, as highlighted by FanGraphs’ Roster Resource, Boston is well-positioned to pursue dynamic talents like Bregman, standing roughly $31 million shy of the competitive balance tax threshold.
Arenado, for his part, carries a substantial $25.55 million luxury tax hit for the next three years.
Although he has a no-trade clause, reports suggest that Boston ranks highly on his list of preferred trade destinations.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are eager to explore potential deals involving Arenado, as emphasized by president of baseball operations John Mozeliak.
Strategic Moves Ahead
Once the Red Sox turn their attention to fortifying their bullpen, they could consider an array of talented options like Kirby Yates, Carlos Estévez, and David Robertson.
In fact, recent reports indicate Boston has already taken an interest in Estévez as the offseason progresses.
While teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and New York Mets have been linked to Bregman, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman notes that the Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers stand out as leading contenders for the sought-after third baseman.
The Red Sox have made significant additions to their pitching arsenal this offseason, signing players like Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Patrick Sandoval, Aroldis Chapman, Justin Wilson, and Jovani Moran.
However, they have yet to make a notable move in the batting department.
Arenado’s Interest in Boston
Arenado’s full no-trade clause adds an extra layer of complexity to any potential trade talks, especially after he previously declined a move to the Astros.
However, indications suggest that he would be receptive if the Red Sox were to express genuine interest.
The Red Sox appear to be a favored destination for Arenado, despite currently having Rafael Devers entrenched at third base.
Boston might consider relocating Devers to first in order to accommodate Arenado, which could also lead to Triston Casas being traded for younger pitching assets.
Although there seems to be room for such adjustments, it contrasts with earlier statements from chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, who indicated that Casas was not on the trading block.
Following the acquisition of Walker Buehler on a one-year, $21.05 million contract, the Red Sox have fortified their pitching staff significantly.
This comes on the heels of other meaningful signings, including ace Garrett Crochet and Patrick Sandoval, indicating a shift in focus from just strengthening the pitching to pursuing offensive firepower.
With Buehler joining Crochet, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford, alongside Sandoval and Lucas Giolito returning from injury, Boston’s starting rotation offers plenty of promise.
As the Red Sox look toward enhancing their offensive capabilities, they are evaluating various free-agent sluggers, including Bregman, Teoscar Hernández, and Anthony Santander.
While the front office had shown a strong interest in Hernández, he recently signed with the Dodgers.
As excitement builds, fans eagerly await the team’s next moves to revitalize their lineup and position themselves for success in the upcoming season.
