Boston Red Sox fans' euphoria after the team's trade for Garrett Crochet is beginning to wear off. The Yankees have put together quite the rebound after losing out on Juan Soto, and the Red Sox haven't competed so far.
New York has acquired Max Fried, Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams through quality moves on both the free agency and trade markets. Meanwhile, Boston's recent signings don't move the needle much, and its acquisition of Aroldis Chapman is particularly vexing for a fair few reasons. A recent update about the Sox's offseason progress has earned similar criticism.
Peter Gammons on Dec. 19 reported that Craig Breslow has been the most active official in the trade market this offseason. This sounds like it should be great news, especially after the reception of the Crochet trade, but there are still plenty of remaining free agents who can suit the Red Sox's needs without sacrificing any talent the organization already has.
The front office's statements shared at Boston's end-of-season press conference implied that the team planned to spend. Team CEO and president Sam Kennedy doubled down on this shortly before the Winter Meetings when he said the Red Sox would compete "even if it takes over the CBT."
Craig Breslow, Red Sox's presence in the trade market is baffling with payroll so far from CBT penalties
I liked one GM’s description as “resilient,” which implies focus and the willingness to embrace change.
— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) December 19, 2024
But none of the Red Sox front office's recent actions support any of their prior statements. MLB insider Jeff Passan reported on Dec. 19 that Boston is not in on Corbin Burnes' market despite two division rivals knocking on the ace's door.
The Red Sox organization spent years hyping up the top prospects in its system. The front office said over and over that it planned to build around the young core coming up through the minor leagues — with particular reference to Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and Kyle Teel — but the team's presence in the trade market means more of them could be on the move.
If the Red Sox are going to trade away more than one of their top three prospects, there was no reason to wait around for them to reach MLB readiness to compete. They could've spent and fielded a competitive team for the last five seasons if there was any chance Mayer, Anthony and Teel would become trade pieces.
The Red Sox are tens of millions of dollars away from any real penalties under the luxury tax in 2025. Chapman and Justin Wilson are a solid push to shore up the bullpen and Patrick Sandoval could be quality second-half rotation depth if his rehab goes to plan, but Boston needs experienced rotation help that can be available at the beginning of the season. There's no excuse not to sign someone to fill that role.