Lowe is LH and can't play a lick of defense.
Marte is great, but would lose a significant amount of HR's at Fenway. Long contract and would take a big trade package.
Donovan is a platoon bat.
Vientos had a 136 wRC+ in '24, but is a horrible defender at 3b. He barrels and hits the ball hard, but isn't a pull hitter for Fenway. Lots of swing and miss.
This deal would clearly be for prospect Jonah Tong.
I haven't really seen what he looks like since TJS. I have him well behind the other guys due his upcoming 40 man issues. Not much development time left for him!
Only 2 of the top 20 FA SP's have signed as of today (Cease and Ponce). Unless you are very concerned that Ponce got away, I think Brezzz should be given a little time.
Houck and Whitlock were two of their best arms. You want your best arms pitching in as many innings as possible. Whitlock wasn't starting because he was cheap, but because he had a starter's frame and repertoire. He's making more money because of his extension than if he was getting an ARB.
Due to the high cost of pitching around the league, I think it makes sense to hold onto the high ceiling guys like Tolle and Early considering the cost/control. It's why I'm also hesitant to move Witherspoon right now without seeing him.
I definitely depends on how the Sox spend and where he plays. If he's at 2b, I think the position will be better off overall due to his defense. At 3b, there will be a dropoff. I'd assume there'd be a big signing for 1b in that case though.