The Boston Red Sox addressed a few issues this offseason (starter pitching, bullpen help, and a backup catcher), but chief baseball officer Craig Breslow must do more to be considered serious contenders in 2025.
Boston’s pursuit for an impact right-handed bat has produced no results thus far, despite being linked to St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, who is still under contract for three more seasons.
Katie Wood of The Athletic reported on Wednesday that the Red Sox may not be interested in acquiring Arenado right now.
“The Houston Astros are a strong contender for Arenado. Los Angeles Dodgers are not. The Boston Red Sox and Yankees (to some extent) continue to communicate with the Cardinals, but both organizations are considered to have more pressing roster needs before focusing on a potential Arenado trade,” Woo said. “For example, even after acquiring Garrett Crochet, the Red Sox are still looking to strengthen their rotation.” This takes precedence over other requirements, such as acquiring a right-handed bat like Arenado.”
Boston should attempt to add another top-tier starter (either Corbin Burnes and Roki Sasaki in free agency or Bryan Woo and Jared Jones via trade).
Adding Arenado also doesn’t solve their difficulties on the right side of the plate, as he has declined significantly over the last two seasons (.272/.325/.394/.719 in 2024). And, if they’re not even considering him as a replacement for Rafael Devers at third base, the move makes no sense.
