I have my doubts “elite SP” is a realistic target.
For one thing, I’m guessing it sounds like a rare commodity that’s difficult to acquire. For another, injuries or not, the Sox made some of those moves last off-season.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Sox cobbled together a rotation from Sale, Paxton, Pivetta, Wacha (hopefully), Whitlock, Crawford, and Bello while still having Winckowski, Mata, Ward, and a few others ready in the minors for depth. Focus more on the bullpen, hopefully 3 new arms. Headlined by Michael Fulmer.
Not sure why people think Story “can’t” return to SS. Whether or not he should is another matter, but is there some reason he just is physically unable to?
As for the rest of the lineup - the need probably 2b, 2 OF and a DH. DH might wind up being Casas. And Enmanuel Valdez might even be in the mix for 2b. But with no close OFs, I hope the Sox focus on players with good OBP and defense…