2024-25 MLB Offseason Recap: Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox missed the playoffs for the third-straight season in 2024, finishing with an even record. Still, there were positives to take away from Boston’s 2024 season, both in the Majors and down on the farm. Boston is in the midst of developing a strong, young core that could help lead the team for years to come. And to supplement that core, the Red Sox looked to add this winter.

Notable Additions

• INF Alex Bregman (4.1 bWAR)
• SP Walker Buehler (-1.3 bWAR)
• RP Aroldis Chapman (0.4 bWAR)
• SP Garrett Crochet (4.1 bWAR)
• SP Patrick Sandoval (0.0 bWAR)
• RP Justin Wilson (-0.2 bWAR)

The Red Sox went hunting for superstars this offseason, to complement a team that went 81-81 last season and was competitive for much of the year. Boston was reportedly in on Juan Soto but couldn’t land the coveted outfielder. However, Boston did rather well in terms of landing impact players.

Boston traded for All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet, the former White Sox who finished fourth in the AL in strikeouts (209). The feat is more impressive when taking into account Chicago heavily limited his innings over the second half to control his workload. The 2024 season was Crochet’s first season as a starter at the MLB level.

Crochet, who flashed brilliance at the University of Tennessee, was an effective reliever during his early MLB years. He got his first shot at starting in 2024, and it went incredibly well. The 25-year-old added in a hard cutter to complement his slider and hard fastball, giving him not just a weapon to attack righties with but also get whiffs.

Boston didn’t give any of the “big three” prospects in their farm system. However, the Red Sox parted with former first-round picks Kyle Teel and Braden Montgomery to land Crochet.

The other big name who landed in Boston was Alex Bregman. Bregman signed with Boston in February after the ex-Astro spent all of the winter looking for a new home. The two-time World Series champion has long been a steady hitter who makes consistent contact, hit at least 20+ home runs each of the last three seasons, and can effectively move around at third.

However, where Bregman will ultimately play come Opening Day remains to be seen.

Aside from those two, the Red Sox added left-handers Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson to their bullpen. Wilson struck out 51 over 46.2 IP last season with the Reds and has made a career out of deceiving hitters. Chapman, meanwhile, is competing for the closer position in Boston after spending the last month of 2024 as Pirates closer.

The Red Sox also signed Walker Buehler to a one-year deal. Buehler, as we noted in late December, showed better feel for his fastball and command in October when the Dodgers needed it the most.

Notable Losses

• RP Cam Booser (0.8 bWAR)
• RP Kenley Jansen (1.3 bWAR)
• RP Chris Martin (0.2 bWAR)
• OF Tyler O’Neill (2.6 bWAR)
• SP Nick Pivetta (1.8 bWAR)

The Red Sox pulled off one of the best buy-low moves of the 2023-24 offseason when Boston acquired Tyler O’Neill from the Cardinals. O’Neill was coming off two down seasons and past friction in St. Louis but stood a good chance to benefit from the hitter-friendly confines in Fenway Park.

He did, as O’Neill hit 31 home runs with Boston. The Canadian outfielder parlayed that success into a three-year deal with the Orioles.

Boston also moved on from several relievers, including Chris Martin and Kenley Jansen. Both were reliable arms for Boston, particularly Martin, who posted a 1.05 ERA in 2023 with the Sox and finished 12th in the AL Cy Young vote.

The Red Sox’s most significant loss of the winter was Nick Pivetta. Pivetta was a mixed bag throughout his tenure in Boston. The right-hander often made too many mistakes that got himself in trouble. But, when on, Pivetta showcased incredible stuff, including a darting sweeper he introduced into his arsenal in 2023 and a high-carry fastball.

Pivetta joined the Padres.

What to Expect in 2025

The Red Sox have been in the playoff conversation each of the last two seasons. However, Boston faded late in both 2023 and 2024.

With the moves Boston made this winter, the Red Sox — at least on paper — have added significant depth to their rotation. That depth will be critical for several reasons. One, to keep up with the big guns in the AL East. Two, to ensure the Sox have enough pitching to get through the 2025 season.

Boston’s already reeling this spring, as Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford, both of whom had up-and-down seasons in 2024, are sidelined.

As for their offense, it looks strong on paper. And, it could get even stronger once Kristian Campbell and Roman Anthony are ready for the Majors.

While it won’t be easy, Boston is in a good spot to compete for a playoff spot. But, as Red Sox fans have seen in recent years, things can go sideways at any point.