Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledged on December 22, 2025, that the team’s roster is still “incomplete” despite recent acquisitions, signaling a busy offseason ahead for the 2026 season.
The Red Sox have already added right-hander Sonny Gray and first baseman Willson Contreras via trade, but significant work remains to address glaring weaknesses and build a competitive team. What four key moves must Boston make before Opening Day to contend in 2026?
- Re-signing Alex Bregman is a top priority to solidify the third base position.
- Finding a stable and impactful second baseman is crucial to improve the infield defense.
- Adding a left-handed reliever is needed to bolster the bullpen’s depth.
- Resolving the outfield logjam through trades could yield valuable assets.
Re-sign Alex Bregman
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Bringing back veteran third baseman Alex Bregman was reportedly Boston’s top priority entering the offseason, and his continued availability as the new year begins underscores the urgency. Allowing Bregman to depart would create a significant void at third base and possibly cast a shadow over the previous trade of Rafael Devers. With few appealing alternatives like Bo Bichette available, retaining Bregman is paramount.
Bregman,who will turn 32 in March,is projected to receive a five- or six-year contract worth between $150 and $170 million. While the Red Sox have historically been hesitant to commit long-term deals to position players in thier 30s,an exception should be made given Bregman’s pivotal role in the club’s success in 2025.
Sign or Trade for a Second Baseman
The second base position has been a revolving door for the Red sox in recent years, and stabilizing it with an upgrade is essential to address the team’s less-than-stellar infield defense.Boston was previously linked to Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte, but it now appears unlikely that Arizona will deal Marte this offseason.
Free agency offers limited options. Bo Bichette is a possibility, but his price tag could be prohibitive. The Red Sox may need to explore trade options, potentially packaging prospects to acquire a proven second baseman. Addressing this position is critical for improving the overall defensive profile of the infield.
Add a Left-Handed Reliever
While the Red Sox bullpen showed enhancement in the latter half of the 2025 season,adding a reliable left-handed reliever is crucial for providing manager Alex Cora with more adaptability.Jovani Moran and Shane Drohan could potentially step into larger roles, but relying solely on them without additional reinforcements would be a risky proposition.
Find a Solution to the Outfield Logjam
The Red Sox’ crowded outfield remains an unresolved issue heading into 2026. with Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Roman Anthony all vying for playing time, Boston has four potential everyday outfielders. Masataka Yoshida also factors into the equation as a left fielder/designated hitter.
Shifting Rafaela to second base is one possible solution, though it could compromise the team’s defensive prowess in center field. Another option involves placing Anthony in left, Rafaela in center, and Abreu in right, with Duran serving as the designated hitter, but Yoshida’s presence complicates matters.
Duran and Abreu were considered potential trade candidates this offseason,with Kansas City Royals ace Cole Ragans previously rumored as a target. However, Breslow appears comfortable proceeding with the current outfield configuration, a decision that could prove to be a mistake.
