sadly we probably need to get ready for more 1-2 year deals. I know this sounds negative but I see the Sox taking a small step backwards next year as there are many holes to fill..
1} outside of Anthony all our other OF are at best .250 hitters. Abreu, Rafaela, and Duran were a combined 1/26 in the NYY series.
2} We need at least 1 more high quality SP who can fill the #2 spot in the rotation. Buehler and May were awful and the Hendriks experiment failed miserably along with Fulmer. All cheap low risk signings.
3} 2B must be finally addressed without a revolving door of utility type players.
4} The C position must be strengthened. Naveraz slipped after a strong start and Wong was awful.
5} The bullpen is lacking depth after Chapman, Whitlock, and Slaten. Unless Tolle develops a solid 2nd pitch he will need to be in the BP. A FB alone doesn't play in MLB.
6} 1B is a huge question mark. Can Casas bounce back? Lowe was an ok band-aid pick-up but can he hit .280 or so in a full season?
7} I don't really see Henry spending the $$ to keep Bregman and I'm not sure he is worth what he will get. I can easily see Mayer being his replacement and save Henry even more $$.
8} We need another big bat likely RH given the splits we currently have and the Bregman question mark but I don't see Henry approving an expensive addition.
Other than Tolle and Early {who I really like} there are no prospects ready to make a serious impact in 2026. This team really needs Mayer to stay healthy as I think he is real good player.
I am not sure how the Sox can fix all these issues and maybe others I have missed. I would expect a few more prospects being dealt along with either Duran or Abreu to address some of these holes along with some more 1-2 yr FA signings. I know this seems negative but John Henry has given us little hope to expect anything else.