Red Sox Offseason Updates: What to Expect at the Winter Meetings

Red Sox’s Chief Baseball Officer, Breslow, assured fans that their concerns are acknowledged and valued. He stated, “We are committed to building the most competitive team not just for ’24, but for the future. We recognize the high standards set by fans and are determined to return the Red Sox to their well-deserved position atop the AL East.”

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Despite their ambitious goals, the team has not made any significant moves in that direction. The only roster moves made were the selection of pitchers Wikelman Gonzalez and Luis Perales to the 40-man roster and the trade of Luis Urías to the Mariners for reliever Isaiah Campbell, as part of the Rule 5 Draft protection.

The Red Sox are not the only team that has remained relatively inactive this offseason. As of Sunday morning, 18 teams have not signed any major league free agents. The offseason remains in its early stages, leaving the question of where the Red Sox stand in their team-building process for 2024 and beyond.

Breslow explained, “We are getting a clearer picture of the free agent and trade landscape. Our priorities remain unchanged in identifying starting pitching that will be a good fit for both the short-term and long-term goals.”

The team is determined to upgrade its rotation while acknowledging the need to improve the infield defense. The Red Sox will seek to add at least one, possibly two, starting pitchers to their roster. However, they were not heavily involved in pursuing Aaron Nola or Sonny Gray, both of whom received qualifying offers from their 2023 clubs.

Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, left-hander Jordan Montgomery, and Japanese left-hander Shōta Imanaga are among the prominent offseason targets for the Red Sox. The team also has a long list of free agent pitchers to consider, along with potential trade targets.

With roster building in mind, the Red Sox want to avoid signing pitchers who received qualifying offers from their 2023 clubs, as it would require the sacrifice of a second-round pick in 2024. Therefore, the team has a preference for pitchers with multiple seasons of team control.

The Red Sox are prepared to explore trade options but are prioritizing pitchers with more than one year of control, recognizing the need to secure their rotation for the long term. The team’s commitment to building for the future is evident as they navigate the options available to strengthen their pitching staff.

Overall, the Red Sox are actively pursuing ways to improve their roster while balancing the short-term and long-term needs of the team. With the Winter Meetings underway, the Red Sox’s approach to addressing their pitching needs remains a focal point.

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David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.