Why the Red Sox’ offseason decisions are becoming impossible to defend
TL;DR
The Boston Red Sox failed to make significant offseason moves, missing out on key players like Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber. As a result, they now have one of the worst offenses in MLB and the fewest home runs at their home stadium.
Key points
- Red Sox promised to pursue blockbuster trades and top free agents
- Failed to acquire key players like Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber
- Currently have one of the worst offenses in MLB
- Least amount of home runs in their home ballpark
Why the Red Sox’ offseason decisions are becoming impossible to defend originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Boston Red Sox promised that they were going to get “uncomfortable” in their pursuit of blockbuster trades and top free agents this offseason, neither of which really happened. They were supposed to land a righty slugger in a guy like Pete Alonso, Bo Bichette, or Kyle Scharber to add some pop to their lineup.
That didn’t happen. Now, they have one of the worst offenses in the MLB, and actually have the least amount of homeruns in their home ballpark compared to the rest of the league. Now, it's being revealed that their pursuits for a slugger really weren't that much of a real pursuit.
The Red Sox pursuit of Kyle Schwarber was minimal
Kyle Schwarber
© Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Schwarber was one of the top targets of the Sox this offseason, and Boston made it seem like they were really in on him. However, according to Schwarber, that wasn’t really true.
“We had the phone call, the Zoom, whatever it is. There was a conversation. [The Sox’ pursuit] kind of just started and ended with the conversation,” Schwarber stated (via Alex Speier).
Even though Schwarber is a former Sox, Boston didn't even try to pull the strings to get him on their team. He would have been the perfect answer to their homerun problem, as he already has 17 in 42 games.
Boston played chicken with Alex Bregman, and lost
Alex Bregman
© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
After missing on those guys, the Sox’ top priority was keeping Alex Bregman, who had become pretty indispensable to the team. Instead, they lowballed him, and when the Chicago Cubs came calling, Bregman packed his bags.
The Sox had a great chance at keeping him if they just gave him the money and couple conditions he wanted, but they didn’t. Now, they’re 17-24 and barely in contention, while the Cubs are 27-15 and at the top of their division and near the top of their league.
How the Sox can fix this at the deadline
Red Sox Craig Breslow - Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
If the Sox are still in the Wild Card race by August, getting a thumper is something they absolutely need to do.
They have the pieces; Jarren Duran and Trevor Story could be used as trade pieces to work something out. Hopefully, they land a true third slugging third baseman, and move Caleb Durbin to second base, and Marcelo Mayer to shortstop.
If they do that, there’s a good chance the Red Sox can salvage the disaster that has been their 2026 season.
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Q&A
What were the Boston Red Sox expected to do this offseason?
The Red Sox were expected to pursue blockbuster trades and top free agents, aiming to add a right-handed slugger to their lineup.
How has the Red Sox offense performed this season?
The Red Sox currently have one of the worst offenses in MLB and the least amount of home runs in their home ballpark.
Which players were the Red Sox rumored to target for their lineup?
The Red Sox were rumored to target players like Pete Alonso, Bo Bichette, and Kyle Schwarber to enhance their offense.
