Red Sox Nation is cautiously optimistic about this offseason. Craig Breslow has typically thrived in November/December ... unlike at the trade deadline. Breslow has been able to orchestrate multiple impactful moves during the winter. Some didn't look great at the time, but most look great in hindsight.
That being said, with a time crunch due to the likely lockout (similar to the trade deadline), these next few weeks could go incredibly wrong for the Red Sox. With Friday the 13th upon us, here's what the nightmare version of Boston's offseason looks like. Breslow must avoid this at all costs.
A "What-Not-To-Do" blueprint for Craig Breslow and the Red Sox this offseason
Not finding a way to get rid of Masataka Yoshida and/or Trevor Story by Opening Day
The Boston Red Sox either need to commit to increasing payroll over the second luxury tax threshold or find a way to clear money, and it seems unlikely that it will be the former. Masataka Yoshida and Trevor Story are the third- and fourth-highest-paid players on the team, making a combined $41.33 million. If the Red Sox want to make a meaningful addition, one or both need to go to clear the salary.
Upgrades for the Sox this offseason need to be major. This team doesn't need help around the margins anymore; they need an impact player, and they will only get that by signing a marquee free agent or taking on salary in a trade for a proven bat. If Story or Yoshida are still on the roster, then the odds of that happening are slim.
Maintaining an outfield logjam
Numerous reports have come out of the GM meetings saying that Jarren Duran is on the trade block and there is actual interest from teams around the league. That's great to hear, but Breslow actually needs to act on that this offseason.
It doesn't need to only be Duran, either. If they choose to use Wilyer Abreu or Ceddanne Rafaela to make a major splash, that would work too. The Red Sox just can't start the season with Duran, Abreu, Rafaela, Roman Anthony, Eli White, and Jahmai Jones all on the roster. Choosing to do that would be criminal, no matter the injury status of Roman Anthony.
The Red Sox don't make firm decisions on Kristian Campbell and Brayan Bello
Craig Breslow has been extension-happy during his time in Boston. For some teams — like the Braves or Brewers — that works great, but it hasn't been as helpful in Boston. Brayan Bello's extension didn't look too bad until this season, but now he's under contract until at least 2029, and he could be a reliever. Kristian Campbell's extension has looked downright bad. This is fixable if the team commits to a direction with them.
The Red Sox need to decide what Bello's role for 2027 is going to be, so that he can commit to improving in that area this offseason. He can bounce back as a starter with the right training, but he can also take a leap forward in the bullpen if given the time to adapt. Not defining his role will only hurt him.
The same can be said for Campbell, who now hasn't seen MLB time in over a year and a half. The Red Sox need to choose a path for him, so that he can actually return to the big leagues and make an impact. A recent Breslow quote suggested that they could be going the utility route with him, which would be ok as long as they commit to that long term and don't try to switch it up mid-season.
Players need to know what to focus on in the offseason so they can actually improve. The lockout is only going to make this harder because the team won't be able to talk to the players to help them. They need to make decisions now so these guys know what they need to work on until a new CBA is agreed upon.
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