After the Boston Red Sox returned to the postseason for the first time in four years, fans and reporters have lofty expectations for their upcoming offseason moves.
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and other members of Red Sox management have come out and stated the team's hopes to add a No. 2 starter and middle-of-the-order power bat — a distinct change in verbiage from many of the offseasons in the last half-decade, when the front office was unclear about the scope of the improvements fans and players should expect. Breslow's openness has led people, from fans to opposing executives, that Boston will really spend this offseason.
Some fans are still hesitant to believe that the Red Sox will go all-in on the necessary improvements to remain competitive. Boston's payroll looked shockingly high at the season's end, and although it's come down due to players entering free agency and being designated for assignment, it still sits at $204 million (according to The Boston Globe).
The first luxury tax threshold for 2026 is $244 million, meaning the Red Sox can spend $40 million on payroll before incurring any penalties. They could spend even more if ownership is comfortable paying a luxury tax, and Alex Speier of The Boston Globe suggests it is (subscription required).
"The Sox reached the playoffs, but don’t believe they can run back their 2025 script and expect to compete for the World Series — their goal is roster improvement. That suggests the Sox will spend beyond their 2025 payroll, which is at least $40 million in additional spending at a minimum," Speier wrote.
Red Sox front office reportedly comfortable exceeding luxury tax again, setting offseason expectations high
Breslow has stated clearly that he hopes to make two high profile additions this winter, and mentioned that he could use the free agent and trade markets to acquire the top-tier arm and bat he wants. Many reporters and rival executives think Breslow could pursue two impact bats along with a No. 2 starter, which the Sox need to be better than last year.
Even with Alex Bregman on the roster in 2025, the Red Sox's offense was streaky and unreliable in big moments. A reunion with the third baseman is high on Boston's list of offseason priorities since it doesn't have another internal corner infielder to turn to, but Bregman and Pete Alonso or Kyle Schwarber are needed to deliver the offense that will propel the Red Sox to the top of the American League East. Speier seemingly believes Boston could commit to that level of spending, which would exceed anything it's spent since 2019.
"There’s a chance, however, the Sox could move more aggressively, as they did from 2015-19 when they averaged $20 million more than the luxury-tax threshold. When the club has believed it has the foundation to compete for titles, it’s tended to pour more resources into the roster," he wrote.
The Red Sox's young core is certainly in place with Roman Anthony, Garrett Crochet, Ceddanne Rafaela, Brayan Bello and Kristian Campbell all signed to long-term extensions. Boston is the closest to a long playoff run than it's been in years and the competitive window fully open — it's reassuring to hear that the front office is gunning for real improvement after years of thinking about the future.