Red Sox Offseason Checklist: Priorities, extensions, free agency

BOSTON, MA - JULY 27: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the top of the of the ninth inning of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park on July 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 27: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the top of the of the ninth inning of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park on July 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
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BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 18: Dave Dombrowski the President of Baseball Operations of the Boston Red Sox stands at home plate before a game against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on September 18, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox won 5-4. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)

Most of the Boston Red Sox core remains but some key players will hit the open market. What will Boston’s strategy be this offseason?

With about two weeks left in the regular season, the Boston Red Sox are gearing up for a deep postseason run. With a loaded offense, dominant rotation and a deep yet unsettled bullpen, the Red Sox are looking like a true contender. However, it’s never too early to look ahead to the offseason and look at what the Red Sox roster could look like come 2019.

To begin, here is a list of the players who are set to become or could possibly become free agents this offseason.

Nathan Eovaldi

Joe Kelly

Craig Kimbrel

Ian Kinsler

Eduardo Nunez (Player Option)

Brandon Phillips

Steve Pearce

Drew Pomeranz

David Price (Player Option)

Chris Sale (Team Option)

Between the money saved from the impending free agents and the Hanley Ramirez contract coming off the books, the Red Sox are set to free up at least $54,870,000 entering this offseason. This figure does not include Eovaldi or Kinsler who both spent more than half of the season with a different team.

With that being said, let’s hop into the checklist.

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