The Boston Red Sox now know the fate of the decision that sparked their offseason.
Juan Soto reportedly agreed to a record-breaking deal with the New York Mets Sunday night just hours before the start of the MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas, Texas. While that’s a disappoint for the franchise, the doors are now wide open for the Red Sox to still spend and significantly improve the roster for 2025.
Here are the three moves the Red Sox could still make this offseason.
SIGN MAX FRIED
The Red Sox still need an ace, preferably of the left-handed variety, to come lead Boston’s rotation. Fried checks both of those boxes.
The longtime Atlanta Braves southpaw offered consistency throughout his career and already has a championship from the 2021 World Series. Like several big names remaining, his market should improve after the Soto news. This should absolutely be the leading move for Boston in the coming days.
TRADE FOR GARRETT CROCHET
Regardless of whether or not Max Fried becomes a member of the Red Sox, Boston should remain aggressive in their pursuit of top starting pitching with a blockbuster trade for Crochet.
The Chicago White Sox will ask for a solid return from a prospect pool, but Boston can add a premiere talent on the mound without having to pay a hefty extension for a few years. The Red Sox built themselves back to a position to make a move of this caliber and should follow through against other contenders.
FIND THE RIGHT-HANDED NO. 3 BAT
The Red Sox have a legitimate offense that can get in a rhythm. That group now just needs some right-handed balance.
Kristian Campbell can help with that at second base if he makes the team out of spring training. The Red Sox still need more, however, whether that is bringing in Teoscar Hernández or pursuing a more out-of-the-box addition in Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado
