With the Boston Red Sox's full squad workouts beginning on Feb. 17, there's plenty to be excited about for spring training and the upcoming season, even if PECOTA doesn't seem to think so.
The Red Sox reinforced their pitching staff and finally bolstered their batting order to compete in the American League East, but the team still has plenty more decisions to make during camp. These are the biggest storylines to watch as the Red Sox begin spring training in 2025.
The 3 biggest storylines of Red Sox spring training
Alex Bregman's arrival
After months of rumors surrounding Alex Bregman, the Red Sox finally pulled the trigger and signed the former Astro to a three-year, $120 million contract with opt-outs after each season. Bregman is the impact right-handed bat the Sox were looking for after Tyler O'Neill's departure, and he can also upgrade the infield defense substantially.
The biggest question is where Bregman will play. A third baseman by trade, many were hopeful that he would allow Rafael Devers to move over to first or to designated hitter full-time. However, it's been reported that the Red Sox are expecting that Bregman will play second, keeping Devers at third. They'll probably experiment with him at different positions during spring training, and it'll be interesting to see how well he adapts.
Which prospects will make the team?
The Red Sox have three of the best prospects in MLB — Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer. All three are currently in Triple-A Worcester, in their early 20s, and they've all been invited to spring training to have shots to make the big league roster for 2025. Mayer, who hasn't played a game in Triple-A yet, almost certainly won't make the majors by Opening Day, and Campbell only played 19 games in Worcester, so he's also a longshot.
Anthony has the best shot of the three, as he has the most experience in Triple-A and used it well, with a .982 OPS across 35 games. It's far more likely that these three vaunted prospects are mid-season call-ups, especially after the Bregman signing, but spring training offers them an opportunity to showcase their talent. All eyes will be on these three in Florida.
Battle for the starting rotation
Bolstering the pitching staff was a key focus for the Red Sox in the offseason, and they were able to bring in several new arms to help a rotation that struggled mightily in 2024. This includes Garrett Crochet, who will likely get the ball for Opening Day, Walker Buehler and Patrick Sandoval. Even though Sandoval won't be back until later in the season, there figures to be stiff competition for starts, as Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford and Cooper Criswell all started at least 18 games last year. Lucas Giolito will be making his return from injury and should compete for starts as well.
Although there are many pitchers who could make starts, it's likely that several rotation spots are already set. Crochet should get the ball on Opening Day, Houck is coming off a great season, and the Red Sox have high hopes for Bello. Beyond that, the picture gets blurrier. Buehler should get some starts if for no other reason than his pricey contract, but the Sox did take on some risk with that signing. That would leave Crawford, Giolito and Criswell fighting for the fifth spot in the rotation. Spring training could be the battleground for that fight.