Red Sox 2025 Season Review/Offseason Preview Thread

[drewski6]

14 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

I could see a Duran, Harrison & Crawford deal for a solid #2 or a big bat like K Marte.

Or better yet Duran for a solid #2

Harrison and more for a big bat.

[mvp 78]

42 minutes ago, Duran Is The Man said:

wait til you hit 50....that check engine light starts coming on all the time.

What happens at 55? 

[moonslav59]

40 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

Or better yet Duran for a solid #2

That was my thought, all long.

Now that we spent $21M on Gray and added another #3-5 SP'er, I have lowered that priority to third.

1. Mega RHB (1B, 3B or 2B- DH if Schwarber LHB only.)

2. Plus Bat (1B, 2B/3B, whichever #1 did not fill.)

3. #2 SP'er (closer to a #1 than a #3.)

Secondary issues: LH'd RP, #2C, maybe Refsnyder if we trade an OF'er.

 

[drewski6]

38 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

That was my thought, all long.

Now that we spent $21M on Gray and added another #3-5 SP'er, I have lowered that priority to third.

1. Mega RHB (1B, 3B or 2B- DH if Schwarber LHB only.)

2. Plus Bat (1B, 2B/3B, whichever #1 did not fill.)

3. #2 SP'er (closer to a #1 than a #3.)

Secondary issues: LH'd RP, #2C, maybe Refsnyder if we trade an OF'er.

 

My pont was that you had us trading for a #2 pitcher OR a big bat.

And I just made a throw-a-way comment akin to "change the OR to an AND"

I agree at this point, that a big bat is more needed than a TOTR starter.

[moonslav59]

25 minutes ago, drewski6 said:

My pont was that you had us trading for a #2 pitcher OR a big bat.

And I just made a throw-a-way comment akin to "change the OR to an AND"

I agree at this point, that a big bat is more needed than a TOTR starter.

I think we have just one big trade in us. We could do two, but then we might start encroaching on the odds of future success by too much. My hope is that JH & Co do what it takes to fill the other big priority or priorities via free agency. I have my doubts there, so maybe 2 trades it is.

Basically, I'm okay with no more pitcher additions, if we get two big bats, but of course, I'd love two big bats plus a co-ace.

[Hitch]

3 hours ago, mvp 78 said:

Check back in after 45. IMO, that's when the wheels start to come off. 

Isn't that the truth! 

[moonslav59]

2 hours ago, Hitch said:

Isn't that the truth! 

I'm not going to mention 65.

[Larry Cook]

8 hours ago, mvp 78 said:

Who? 

2025 draft picks from Tennessee and lsu. 

[UtahSox]

On 12/4/2025 at 1:00 PM, moonslav59 said:

I think they'd much prefer Crawford, Harrison or Dobbins than Sandoval, but your point is well-taken.

I agree that we can package to either way they are going.

I have mentioned Rafaela several times in various offers, including for KMarte. He's more proven than Campbell, has many years of control and has proven he has a position mastered.  (He could probably be a plus at 2B in les sthan a year of FT play, but why?)

I'd give Rafaela and any two from the 3 pitchers I mentioned for a "win soon" package to AZ.

Keeping Duran over Rafaela should help the offense, but who knows in 1-2 years where Duran and CR will be on offense. Both Duran (7.7 + 2 arbs) and Rafaela (6.3 x 6 years) would both help offset some of the $19.5M AAV KMarte would bring to the budget. That might help leave just enough budget space for one big bat signing. I certainly think they could afford Suarez on a 2 x $20M or 3 X $17M deal.

Maybe Marte & Suarez could be enough.

1. L Anthony CF/RF

2. S Marte 2B

3. L Duran LF/CF/DH

4. R Suarez 3B/1B

5. L Abreu RF- R Refsnyder LF/DH

6. R Story SS

7. L Casas 1B/DH-R Romy 1B/3B/DH- L Masa DH

8. R Narvaez C

9. L Mayer 3B/R Romy 3B/DH

Per Olney DBacks are in “win now” not “win soon” if they are in win now, and want pitching in return I think Royals and Brewers have massive advantage on Marte.

[Larry Cook]

1 hour ago, UtahSox said:

Per Olney DBacks are in “win now” not “win soon” if they are in win now, and want pitching in return I think Royals and Brewers have massive advantage on Marte.

Arizona wants 2 pitchers is what the writers are saying 

[moonslav59]

2 hours ago, UtahSox said:

Per Olney DBacks are in “win now” not “win soon” if they are in win now, and want pitching in return I think Royals and Brewers have massive advantage on Marte.

We can do both.

Bubic or Peralta might be the cheapest due to one year of control.

Ragans would be costly, as would Ryan or Lodolo. Skubal or Greene are pipedreams.

We can also sign 2 big bats, instead of trading for Marte, but that depends on JH changing his ways.

[moonslav59]

1 hour ago, Larry Cook said:

Arizona wants 2 pitchers is what the writers are saying 

One would have to be Early or Tolle for sure- maybe Bello, but losing Bello just opens another big hole.

Do we offer Tolle or Early plus one from Crawford, Harrison or Dobbins?

I doubt they'd agree to three from Crawford, Harrison, Dobbins, Witherspoon and Perales plus Arias or Gonzales.

Does AZ want Duran or K Campbell? Does MIL (Peralta +), CIN (Lodolo) or MIN (Ryan)?

 

[UtahSox]

32 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

One would have to be Early or Tolle for sure- maybe Bello, but losing Bello just opens another big hole.

Do we offer Tolle or Early plus one from Crawford, Harrison or Dobbins?

I doubt they'd agree to three from Crawford, Harrison, Dobbins, Witherspoon and Perales plus Arias or Gonzales.

Does AZ want Duran or K Campbell? Does MIL (Peralta +), CIN (Lodolo) or MIN (Ryan)?

 

Outside of Bello our young arms are more part of the “win soon” category. K Marte to Brewers for Peralta / or K Marte to Royals for Ragans is more of a “win now”. Again I hope Olney is wrong, because he is a great fit in Boston. Just passing along what Olney said. 

[moonslav59]

2 hours ago, UtahSox said:

Outside of Bello our young arms are more part of the “win soon” category. K Marte to Brewers for Peralta / or K Marte to Royals for Ragans is more of a “win now”. Again I hope Olney is wrong, because he is a great fit in Boston. Just passing along what Olney said. 

Duran is win now plus 2 arbs, so now and soon.

Pitchers like Crawford and Harrison are experienced ML'ers and have several years of control. Thay could be viewed as win now & soon, as well.

K Campbell, Dobbins and Perales are longer range, as are Tolle and Early.

The Sox can tailor an offer to meet the needs of almost any team. If not, then pull in a third team. Not many teams have SP'ers to spare, even #4-5 types.

[moonslav59]

On 12/5/2025 at 10:30 AM, drewski6 said:

Or better yet Duran for a solid #2

Harrison and more for a big bat.

Harrison won't be the headliner for a big bat.

I'm not even sure K Campbell, Harrison & Arias would be enough, but probably would be.

[moonslav59]

I know Alonso's D at 1B is about as bad as Casas, and maybe one will end up being the DH before too long, but the guy has the power we need.

80 XBHs, last year. He hit 38 HRs and still managed to lead the league in doubles. We know none of them were "leg doubles." He K's a lot, but he walks more than enough to make up for that. He had a .347 OBP in 2025. That was better than any Sox player with 350+ PAs, except Bregman, who might be gone. He's a RHB that hits well in both splits. He has career reverse splits, so he's not really a lefty killer like he is to righties.

Schwarber has had reverse splits, recently, but he hits both types very well. He's not ideal for 1B, but if Casas gets hurt, he can't be all that mush worse than he is on D.

To me, K Marte is the only other big bat that is seemingly available to match those two, and he plays 2B. K Marte & Bregman would be a nice combo.

[5GoldGlovesOF,75]

24 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

I know Alonso's D at 1B is about as bad as Casas, and maybe one will end up being the DH before too long, but the guy has the power we need.

80 XBHs, last year. He hit 38 HRs and still managed to lead the league in doubles. We know none of them were "leg doubles." He K's a lot, but he walks more than enough to make up for that. He had a .347 OBP in 2025. That was better than any Sox player with 350+ PAs, except Bregman, who might be gone. He's a RHB that hits well in both splits. He has career reverse splits, so he's not really a lefty killer like he is to righties.

Schwarber has had reverse splits, recently, but he hits both types very well. He's not ideal for 1B, but if Casas gets hurt, he can't be all that mush worse than he is on D.

To me, K Marte is the only other big bat that is seemingly available to match those two, and he plays 2B. K Marte & Bregman would be a nice combo.

I was about to say the best alternative to giving Alonso big bucks would be Okamoto, since he's known to also have an excellent glove.

Then I learned Kaz' agent is Boras -- so he ain't signing til pitchers and catchers are in Florida... unless he's vastly overpaid... like Yoshida. Dang yo.

[moonslav59]

49 minutes ago, 5GoldGlovesOF,75 said:

I was about to say the best alternative to giving Alonso big bucks would be Okamoto, since he's known to also have an excellent glove.

Then I learned Kaz' agent is Boras -- so he ain't signing til pitchers and catchers are in Florida... unless he's vastly overpaid... like Yoshida. Dang yo.

Okamoto is growing on me, but I've had my mind set on player that are proven and durable- something novel to this team's 7 year strategy.

[Duran Is The Man]

30 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Okamoto is growing on me, but I've had my mind set on player that are proven and durable- something novel to this team's 7 year strategy.

there are some reports on X that the Mets are only offering Alonso three years. the Sox need to step up and sign him. then sign Polanco or Bregman.

[Larry Cook]

1 hour ago, Duran Is The Man said:

there are some reports on X that the Mets are only offering Alonso three years. the Sox need to step up and sign him. then sign Polanco or Bregman.

I did see a report that the Red Sox offered 4 years to Alonso!!  I think bres-slow may have lost his mind doing that, but we shall see 

[JoeBrady]

7 minutes ago, Larry Cook said:

I did see a report that the Red Sox offered 4 years to Alonso!!  I think bres-slow may have lost his mind doing that, but we shall see 

It feels like setting up dominoes.  Alonso is a decent enough target at 4 years, but then we need to line up a trade for Casas.  That makes it more complicated, but more interesting.  If we sign Alonso, trade Duran + Casas for Tong + Vientos + Mauricio.

[Larry Cook]

8 minutes ago, JoeBrady said:

It feels like setting up dominoes.  Alonso is a decent enough target at 4 years, but then we need to line up a trade for Casas.  That makes it more complicated, but more interesting.  If we sign Alonso, trade Duran + Casas for Tong + Vientos + Mauricio.

Casas has an option left. We should send him back to Worcester to get the rust off!!!  
 

Duran for Tong and vientos (Mets) Grade = A-

Duran for brohm and painter (Phillies) Grade = A

Duran for cecconi and arias (guardians) Grade = B +

[JoeBrady]

24 minutes ago, Larry Cook said:

Duran for brohm and painter (Phillies) Grade = A

You get me Painter and I'll go into hibernation for the winter.  I like Chandler and Burns a whole lot, but I like Painter even more.  But unless his arm is falling off, no way that DD trades him.

[moonslav59]

Off loading Masa would clear a spot for Casas or even some sort of Campbell-Romy- Duran combo.

Get Alonso is primary. (Schwarber, if not, and then off-loading Masa is priority #2)

I like Bregman more than Polanco, because I don't want Romy at 3B in a platoon with Mayer, but it would be ok.

Polanco will cost less and maybe for half the years. 

Alonso and Marte would be king, but trading for Marte probably means no trading for a #2 SP and just rolling the dice with Gray.

[Larry Cook]

1 hour ago, JoeBrady said:

You get me Painter and I'll go into hibernation for the winter.  I like Chandler and Burns a whole lot, but I like Painter even more.  But unless his arm is falling off, no way that DD trades him.

Desperate Dave’s window is closing. He knows this year is his last chance.  
he will sell his mother’s kidneys to get another ring 

[Larry Cook]

15 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

Off loading Masa would clear a spot for Casas or even some sort of Campbell-Romy- Duran combo.

Get Alonso is primary. (Schwarber, if not, and then off-loading Masa is priority #2)

I like Bregman more than Polanco, because I don't want Romy at 3B in a platoon with Mayer, but it would be ok.

Polanco will cost less and maybe for half the years. 

Alonso and Marte would be king, but trading for Marte probably means no trading for a #2 SP and just rolling the dice with Gray.

If we have an offer for 4 years out there for Alonso, then surely bres-slow out an expiration date on the offer???  
Or did bres-slow put identical orders for schwarber and Alonso and first one to say yes by the expiration date wins???

[moonslav59]

5 minutes ago, Larry Cook said:

Desperate Dave’s window is closing. He knows this year is his last chance.  
he will sell his mother’s kidneys to get another ring 

I could see him trading prospects for a one year window, maybe 2 years.

Getting Duran might make it 3 years, if he keeps Schwarber in Philly.

I'm not sure he gives up Painter, but we might flip him for Ryan.

[Larry Cook]

2 minutes ago, moonslav59 said:

I could see him trading prospects for a one year window, maybe 2 years.

Getting Duran might make it 3 years, if he keeps Schwarber in Philly.

I'm not sure he gives up Painter, but we might flip him for Ryan.

Desperate Dave is bringing schwarber back and then going after Suarez. But he probably loses realmuto though. 
and when he loses realmuto, he will hunger for Duran at the top of his lineup every day!! 

bres-slow just has to be patient and see how schwarber falls!!!! 

[moonslav59]

2 minutes ago, Larry Cook said:

If we have an offer for 4 years out there for Alonso, then surely bres-slow out an expiration date on the offer???  
Or did bres-slow put identical orders for schwarber and Alonso and first one to say yes by the expiration date wins???

I wouldn't be demanding anything for these two. Just keep offering more than the next highest bid or secondary offers.

You gotta think Bregman and Bichette are waiting to see what these two get. Maybe Tucker signs first and gets a mega deal. If he goes to TOR, I hope that doesn't puch Bichette to BOS. I know he's young, but his power is not good enough, He should not play SS and is not really a consistent .800 guy. For the money he will get, he should be a lock at .850.

1. Alonso. K Marte or Schwarber

2. Ryan, Lodolo or Bregman

3. Polanco, Suarez, M King, P Lopez, Ragans, Peralta, Bubic

4. Bichette, F Valdez, M Keller, L Castillo, M Kelly

[Larry Cook]

I am thinking we make 3 moves: 

1.) we sign Alonso and Casas starts the year in Worcester. 
2.) Duran for brohm and painter. 
3.) resign Justin Wilson or sign another lefty reliever: