3 goals for Red Sox the rest of the offseason

The Red Sox reached the postseason this year for the first time since 2021, losing to the Yankees in the American League Wild Card Series.

There were many positives that came from the 2025 campaign for Boston, including a sensational performance by ace Garrett Crochet in his first season with the club, as well as a healthy season from shortstop Trevor Story, a successful debut campaign from Roman Anthony and a vintage performance from closer Aroldis Chapman.

But there is much work to do this offseason as the Sox try to build off of their 2025 success and move toward their first World Series championship since 2018. It’s already begun for Boston with a trade to acquire veteran right-hander Sonny Gray to bolster the starting rotation.

Here’s a look at three goals for Boston the rest of the offseason:

1. Sign a slugger

The lineup was above average in several categories last season (ranked fourth in the Majors with a .254 batting average, seventh with 786 runs scored and ninth with a .421 slugging percentage). But the Red Sox need more thump in the lineup.

After sending Rafael Devers to San Francisco last season and finishing 15th in baseball with 186 home runs, Boston could use some more slug, and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has emphasized the need for a power bat, particularly given how power can influence postseason results.

Alex Bregman opted out of the remaining two years on his contract with Boston after posting an .821 OPS with 18 home runs last season. Boston could re-sign the veteran third baseman, but the club will need more than what Bregman can offer in the power department.

At the top end of the free-agent market for sluggers are Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso and Kyle Tucker. It seems to be a thin trade market for power hitters, so Boston will likely have to be in the mix for some of the priciest options in free agency. But landing a powerful lineup upgrade is imperative.

2. Land another frontline starter

Gray has a proven track record, but could the Red Sox be in the mix for more starting pitching? According to Breslow, the answer is yes -- he said that “it’s early in the offseason” and that there is still potential for “opportunities materializing.”

Who might some targets be?

There are the obvious names in the top free-agent echelon such as Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez. But with their crowded outfield, the Red Sox might be able to swing a trade for a top starter by offering a player like Jarren Duran.

The trade market for starting pitchers is primed to be more robust than that for sluggers, with names like MacKenzie Gore, Freddy Peralta, Joe Ryan, Sandy Alcantara and possibly even reigning two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal involved.

Adding one of those arms could create a three-headed monster at the front of Boston’s rotation.

3. Replenish the ’pen

Boston’s bullpen was tremendous in 2025, with Red Sox relievers posting a second-ranked 3.41 ERA. Chapman was incredible in his age-37 campaign, finishing with a 1.17 ERA, 37.3% strikeout rate and 32 saves. And Garrett Whitlock emerged as a great setup man, pitching to a 2.25 ERA with a 31.1% K rate over 62 appearances.

But middle relievers Steven Matz and Justin Wilson are free agents, and the bridge from the rotation to the back end of the ’pen might need to be replenished.

There are several notable relievers on the free-agent market, particularly veterans who are coming off down years due to injuries or underperformance and looking for a bounce-back performance in 2026. That includes Kirby Yates, Tommy Kahnle and Michael Kopech.

Other possibilities include Luke Weaver -- who could be an underrated pickup -- Tyler Rogers, Taylor Rogers, Seranthony Domínguez, Danny Coulombe, Pierce Johnson, Jakob Junis, Caleb Ferguson and Jacob Webb.