4 most difficult decisions the Red Sox could make before spring training
The Boston Red Sox still have some gaping holes in the roster that need fixing. They're the same holes that have existed since the beginning of the offseason, and maybe even earlier.
The Red Sox need an ace, outfield depth and could use a strong, right-handed bat to add some consistent power to the batting order. The bat isn't necessary, but the better pitching and outfield depth should be.
Boston has two sure-fire starting pitchers in Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito. The rest of the starting rotation is going to be a group of lower-tier starters, such as Tanner Houck and Nick Pivetta, and relievers who will be stretched out.
The Red Sox outfield situation also needs work. Tyler O'Neill is one of the team's newer additions and is a good defender, but his bat doesn't match up with the one the Sox lost in Alex Verdugo's absence. Masataka Yoshida only played 140 games last year, and he played some of them as the designated hitter. A more permanent figure in the outfield is a necessity, and one that could hit for power would be a plus.
4 most difficult decisions the Red Sox could make before spring training
Find a suitor for Kenley Jansen
The Red Sox have been trying to shop closer Kenley Jansen for a few weeks now, and talks have recently intensified. The Dodgers and Phillies have emerged as top candidates for Jansen, and if Boston is insistent on trading him, it should get the job done soon.
On an episode of the "Fenway Rundown" podcast, Boston's new pitching coach, Andrew Bailey, conceded that closers aren't necessary for every roster. He believes closers can only perform as well as they're set up to — if starters and relievers can't keep the Sox in the game, Jansen throwing one shutdown inning at the end may not be worth anybody's time.
By Bailey's logic, the team has more pressing matters to attend to, which should include setting up a competent starting rotation. If dishing Jansen to save money is how the Red Sox need to move to fix the rotation, they should probably do it. Like, now.
The Phillies lost their previous closer, Craig Kimbrel, to the Orioles this offseason. The Dodgers have a fair few relief arms to use on any given day, but a reunion with Jansen could give them the experienced closer that they lack. Boston is running out of time to make a deal.