The Red Sox (72-77) enter Friday’s game against the YankeesThe American League East placed them in last place, 19 games behind their division leaders. They are on track to finish in the cellar for the second time in three years, and based on their big-league roster and farm system, they’ll be heavy favorites to land in last again next year unless they make major changes this offseason.
Boston’s pitching staff ranks 24th in the majors in ERA (4.45) and its bullpen has 27 blown saves in 62 opportunities, one of the worst ratios in baseball. FanGraphs ranks the Red Sox defense 25th among 30 teams.
Suffice to say, if you can’t pitch and play defense, you won’t be popping champagne at season’s end and playing meaningful games in October. These are the areas that the Red Sox must prioritize this winter. They also have to deal with an likely opt out. Xander Bogaerts, addressing Rafael Devers’ unsettled contract situation and engaging in negotiations with their impending free agents.
Red Sox must have one of the most aggressive offseasons they’ve had in years. They have the financial might to play “checkbook baseball” and the front office to make bold trades. But it’s time for fewer “value” moves and more big-market “tidal-wave” transactions.
Let’s look at each position, assess the Red Sox needs and suggest some moves they could make this offseason to get back on track.
Start rotation
Even if the Red Sox have to play checkbook baseball, building a stronger rotation is an important offseason priority.
