Jul 12, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) walks to the dugout after striking out during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports
Following one of the worst seasons a defending World Series champion has ever had, the Red Sox will have their work cut out for them this offseason. In the beginning of the year, the offense was the problem as the Red Sox were experiencing anemic production throughout their order on account of down years by Dustin Pedroia, Mike Napoli, and David Ortiz and the absence of 2013 stars Jacoby Ellsbury and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. While they’ve largely fixed the lineup, however– as they acquired Yoenis Cespedes, Allen Craig, and Rusney Castillo down the stretch– there’s still plenty of work to be done this offseason. The starting pitching is the area which needs the most improvement as the Red Sox dealt away four fifths of their Opening Day rotation this season, but there are necessary acquisitions all across the roster.
In my take as the armchair GM of the Red Sox, I will highlight the areas of need for the Red Sox and what I would do to fill the team’s vacancies if I were Boston’s general manager. Without further ado, let’s get started on the offseason to-do list!