The MLB offseason is officially here and new Red Sox CBO Craig Breslow’s tenure is underway. After a difficult couple of years for Red Sox fans, the team enters the offseason in a good spot. A strong farm system leads the way, along with some young ML talent and a good base for their lineup and bullpen. As many know, the clear need is pitching and that will almost certainly be the focal point for Breslow. If you can believe the words from Sam Kennedy, the Red Sox will be all in on building a contender. Leading many to believe they will be big spenders this offseason. Let’s jump into my 2023-2024 Red Sox mock offseason.
To note: As much as there is no “cap” in baseball, a mock like this has to be within reason. As much as fans would love to see them sign every top name, it’s not realistic. Keep in mind this mock tries to stay within what should be at least a semi-realistic possible offseason.
The Current Roster
Embed from Getty ImagesAs things stand, the team certainly has some building blocks. 3B Rafael Devers and 1B Triston Casas lead the core of the lineup, along with the likes of Trevor Story, Masataka Yoshida, and Connor Wong, who should all seemingly return in 2024. On top of that, players like Jarren Duran, Alex Verdugo, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Wilyer Abreu all offer outfield options for the Red Sox. However, I wouldn’t consider any of them locked to be with the team in 2024 just yet.
On the mound, the bullpen is in place to be strong again. Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin will lead the bullpen with Josh Winckowski and John Schreiber both locked into the mix as well. On top of that, the likes of Garrett Whitlock, Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, and Nick Pivetta are under contract and provide an option for the bullpen or rotation.
As I mentioned above, the rotation will be the main focus. Brayan Bello is the only pitcher who should be deemed highly likely to be here in 2024. Chris Sale is still under contract and is expected to be back but I’m sure the team would be open to moving on if the chance presented itself. Beyond that, it’s an unknown. The team has multiple back-of-the-rotation options but significantly lacks an ace.
Re-Sign Adam Duvall
Embed from Getty ImagesContract: 1 year, $8 million + $10 million team option
The Red Sox outfield is already crowded, but there remains a need for another RHH option. Locking in Adam Duvall early in the offseason would allow the Red Sox to properly game plan for the structure of their roster.
Trade Alex Verdugo to the Atlanta Braves
Embed from Getty Images- Red Sox Receive: SP Ian Anderson
- Braves Receive: OF Alex Verdugo
After adding Duvall back into the mix, this opens up the window to trade Verdugo. In 2023, the Red Sox right fielder showed that he can be a solid bat, while also providing Gold Glove-caliber (finalist) defense. The decision to move Verdugo boils down to three things. First, he’s entering the final year of his contract and it may be time to get value while you still can. Next, Verdugo and Manager Alex Cora seem to have a continuous disconnect. Finally, the Red Sox simply have other options. Masataka Yoshida, Jarren Duran, and Wilyer Abreu are all other lefty outfield options. Not to mention Roman Anthony is coming fast.
For the trade itself, both teams move on from a major league player. The Braves will be looking to replace Eddie Rosario, while the Red Sox look to improve their pitching. Ian Anderson was once a highly touted prospect. Now after some struggles and Tommy John surgery in April 2023, his stock is certainly down. Nevertheless, he’s still talented, has upside, and four more years of control.
Sign RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Contract: 8 years, $224 million + posting fee
- Players opt out after the 2028 season
After Ohtani, Yamamoto is the prize-free agent of the 2023-2024 class. At 25 years old, and dominating in the KBO, he’s being posted and will transition to the MLB. It’s fully expected he will far bypass the $155 million Tanaka received from the Yankees.
The Red Sox have talked the talk that they will be spending this offseason. The tax is reset and pitching is by far the biggest need. Yamamoto jumps at the opportunity to play in a big market with former teammate Masataka Yoshida. He instantly becomes the ace of the Red Sox pitching staff. He’d also have the option to hit free agency again at age 30.
Sign LHP Jordan Montgomery
Embed from Getty Images- Contract: 5 years, $107.5 million
The Red Sox look to add a middle-of-the-rotation pitcher to pair with Yamamoto and Jordan Montgomery fills that perfectly. The left-handed pitcher has been excellent the last three seasons and has made 94 starts over that time. Adding a durable and quality arm into the mix is exactly what the Red Sox need.
Sign 2B Whit Merrifield
Embed from Getty Images- Contract: 1 year, $8 million + $9 million team option
This would fall under one of my “under the radar” signings for the Red Sox. Whit Merrifield fits great into what the team is looking to add to the lineup in 2024. The former Royal and Blue Jay would provide another RHH bat and has extended experience playing both 2B and across the OF. He’s also had limited time at 3B and 1B.
At the plate, Merrifield is an average bat. He hits for a solid average, good speed, and below-average power. Nevertheless, he fits what the team needs right now. He is a solid short-term option at 2B while having the ability to be a utility player if needed.
Blockbuster for Luis Robert
Embed from Getty Images- Red Sox Receive: OF Luis Robert
- White Sox Receive: OF Jarren Duran, OF Ceddanne Rafaela, P Tanner Houck & 2B Nick Yorke
This is a dream scenario. Unlikely? Probably. It’s not something you’d bet on happening, but the Red Sox are in a position to make a major splash like this. They use two ML players and two prospects to complete this deal. Robert comes to Boston and is immediately an anchor in CF and the middle of the lineup. Robert is owed $67.5 million over the next four years.
Sign LHP Brent Suter
Embed from Getty Images- Contract: 2 years, $7 million
Adding the finishing touches to the roster, the Red Sox bring in a reliable left-handed reliever. Brent Suter was in Milwaukee for seven years before signing with Colorado in 2023 where he posted a 3.38 ERA over 69.1 IP. Suter would solidify an already strong Red Sox bullpen
Extend Tristan Casas
Embed from Getty Images- Contract Extension: 7 years, $98 million
The Red Sox should be looking to lock Tristan Casas in for the long term. There is an opportunity to not only avoid arbitration in the future but also buy an extra couple of years of control. Casas is currently under contract through 2028 and will make an estimated $40-50 million over those years. In this scenario, the Red Sox guarantee that estimated price range, while adding two more years at $48 million over that time. In total, Casas would be locked in through 2030 and become a free agent at age 30.
Major League Roster Outlook
Starting Rotation
- 1. Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- 2. Jordan Montgomery
- 3. Bryan Bello
- 4. Chris Sale
- 5. Nick Pivetta
- 6. Kutter Crawford
Bullpen
- CL: Kenley Jansen (R)
- RP: Chris Martin (R)
- RP: Josh Winckowski (R)
- RP John Schreiber (R)
- RP Garrett Whitlock (R)
- RP: Brent Suter (L)
- RP: Brennan Bernardino (L)
- RP: Zack Kelly (R)
Lineup
- CF Luis Robert (R)
- 3B Rafael Devers (L)
- 1B Tristan Casas (L)
- RF Adam Duvall (R)
- LF Masataka Yoshida (L)
- SS Trevor Story (R)
- DH Wilyer Abreu (L)
- 2B Whit Merrifield (R)
- C Connor Wong (R)
Bench
- OF Rob Refsnyder (R)
- SS/2B Pablo Reyes (R)
- C Reese McGuire (L)
- 1B Bobby Dalbec (R)
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Featured Image: Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox
