Since winning the World Series in 2018, Red Sox fans have lost lots of trust in the front office, and rightfully so. Since the 2020 season, they’ve cheaped out and let every star on that team walk, simply because they didn’t want to pay them. Outfielder Mookie Betts, along with starting pitcher David Price, were traded to the LA Dodgers, for outfielder Alex Verdugo(played for 3 seasons), catcher Connor Wong (still on the team as backup catcher), and infield prospect Jeter Downs (appeared in 20 games in 2022, and released in 2024).
After that trade, shortstop Xander Bogaerts was hit free agency, and was not re-signed. Finally, mid last season, third baseman and designated hitter Rafael Devers, was traded to the San Francisco Giants for outfield prospect James Tibbs, pitching prospect Kyle Harrison, and relief pitcher Jordan Hicks. None of whom are on the team anymore.
After finishing third in the American League East, making the playoffs for the first time since 2021, and losing 2-1 in the Wild Card series, this year’s team looks to progress in a stacked division that improved this offseason. The problem is, it will only get harder with the Yankees signing Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellanger, and the Orioles signing Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.
After losing Bregman to the Chicago Cubs, and starting pitcher Lucas Giolito to the Atlanta Braves, the Sox signed starting pitcher Ranger Suarez and also re-signed 2-time Gold Glove outfielder Wilyer Abreu. They traded relief pitcher Hunter Dobbins, and two pitching prospects for Cardinals first baseman Wilson Contreras. They also traded infield prospects for Brewers third basemen Caleb Durbin, traded relief pitcher Richard Fitts and pitching prospect Brandon Clarke, for Cardinals starting pitcher Sonny Gray.
As the 2025-26 offseason came to a close, local Boston analysts made their predictions about the season. Between NBC Sports Boston reporters Justin Leger, Nick Gross, and Darren Hartwell, Red Sox fans should expect around 86-90 wins, and a potential playoff berth (likely wildcard). The team currently has the third best odds to win the AL East at +310, according to Caesars sportsbook. They will likely lean on their fourth ranked pitching staff (according to MLB Network) with 2025 All-Star Garret Crochett (who finished second in AL Cy Young voting last season) leading the way, along with a dominant bullpen, mainly consisting of Garret Whitlock, Greg Weissert, Zack Kelly, and 2025 All-Star closer, Aroldis Chapman.
The one main concern Red Sox fans should have would be the lack of consistent power in the lineup. After Bregman opted out of his 3 year contract, the Sox missed out on all free agent power hitters including names like Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso, who both signed with division rivals.
With the season starting this Thursday, in Cincinnati, manager Alex Cora, has announced that Garret Chrochett will get the start, for the second straight year. Roman Anthony will lead off, Marcelo Mayer will play second base, and there will likely be a designated hitter rotation of Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Cedanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, and Masataka Yoshida.
The Red Sox open up at Fenway on April 3, when the San Diego Padres come to town.
